Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of MARY ANNE HAMPL (DOB: 12/06/1961; single; unemployed) of Rutherford, NJ on arson-related charges. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit under the direction of Acting Chief Matthew Finck, and the Rutherford Police Department under the direction of Chief John Russo.
On February 8, 2024, at approximately 7:12 p.m., the Rutherford Police Department responded to a fire at 126 Hastings Avenue, Apt A, in Rutherford, NJ. Upon entering the residence, first responders observed a fire and smoke condition in the kitchen, originating from items that were placed on the stove. The fire was extinguished by the Rutherford Fire Department. Further investigation revealed that MARY ANNE HAMPL had intentionally set the fire.
As a result of the investigation, MARY ANNE HAMPL was charged with second- degree aggravated arson, N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1); and fourth-degree causing or risking widespread injury or damage, N.J.S.A. 2C:17-2c. HAMPL was remanded to Bergen County Jail pending her first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ.
Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutor Musella would like to thank the Rutherford Police Department, the Rutherford Fire Department, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Northvale Police Department and Hackensack Fire Department that participates in the Bergen County Arson Task Force, for their assistance with the investigation.
