A former Yorkton gym owner accused of recklessly burning down his own business for fraudulent purposes has technically been released on those charges but remains in prison.
Chancey Heiser was already serving time in Prince Albert Penitentiary for sexual assault when police laid three charges related to the 2010 fire that claimed a commercial building at the corner of First Avenue and Smith Street.
He now faces one count each of arson with disregard for human life, arson for a fraudulent purpose and fraud. He was also charged with two unrelated counts of criminal harassment and breach of an undertaking for contacting a person he was not supposed to.
In Yorkton Provincial Court April 30, by way of formality, Judge Patrick Reis “released” Heiser on conditions pending a plea hearing scheduled for June 30.
He is currently appealing the sexual assault conviction.
