Man To Testify Against Co-Defendants In Arson Case

One of three men charged in connection with a 2025 arson that destroyed a work van and damaged a Bristol Township home has agreed to testify against his co-defendants.

The information involving Thomas J. Parker, 36, of Croydon, came during a scheduled preliminary hearing Wednesday morning before District Judge David Chichilitti.

Parker, who is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and hindering apprehension, waived his charges to trial and agreed to testify, according to his attorney, Keith Williams.

The charges stem from an Aug. 8, 2025, fire at 713 Cedar Avenue in the Croydon section of Bristol Township.

While five residents escaped the burning home unharmed, a cat died in the blaze.

Two other Croydon men—Charles William Vandenberg, 50, and Gavin Ross Montoya, 27—face charges of arson, risking catastrophe, reckless endangerment, and other offenses.

The preliminary hearing was delayed after Parker raised concerns over a potential conflict of interest in the case.

Parker noted that Paul Lang, the attorney representing Montoya, had represented Parker in a 2021 and 2022 probation violation matter.

Lang argued there was no conflict or violation of attorney conduct rules, pointing out that the concern was raised at the last minute.

Vandenberg’s attorney, John Fioravanti, said matter needed to be resolved so the preliminary hearings for Vandenberg and Montoya could be held at one time.

Deputy District Attorney A.J. Garabedian said he was ready to proceed with the case.

Chichilitti ruled that a Bucks County Court of Common Pleas judge must resolve the issue of whether a conflict exists before a preliminary hearing for Vandenberg and Montoya can proceed.

In comments to the defense and prosecution, Chichilitti said he hoped the ruling would come quickly so the case can be heard.

According to court documents, text messages show Vandenberg told Montoya he wanted the van “torched.” Montoya allegedly replied by asking for “$10gs in 2 bags.”

Vandenberg allegedly admitted to investigators he was involved “in the littlest bit” and claimed he intended for a road flare to be used as a “smoke bomb” to damage clothing he had paid for.

Police said security footage shows Montoya throwing an object into the back window of the work van at 5:13 a.m.

Parker allegedly told police he was with Montoya that morning, believing Montoya intended to rob someone for drugs.

“This was not supposed to go down this way,” Parker reportedly told police.

The courtroom was filled Wednesday with members of the Third District Fire Company and the widow of Fire Police Officer Ed Margavich, 80.

Margavich, a veteran firefighter, was directing traffic at the scene of the arson when he fell and broke his femur when he stopped at the nearby Croydon Fire Company station. He died a week later from sepsis resulting from his injuries.

While his death was ruled a line-of-duty death, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office stated the circumstances do not allow for criminal charges against the arson defendants in relation to his death.