Facilities manager arrested for arson and bomb scare

SCHENECTADY, NY — A 36-year veteran facilities manager for Mont Pleasant Middle School has been arrested and put on paid administrative leave for a 2001 arson case and a recent bomb scare, according to WRGB-TV and TWEAN-TV.


Steven Raucci is accused of setting an explosive device at a house in 2001. Police searched both the home and office of Raucci and State Police found a small explosive device at Raucci's office at the school; it was removed by the State Police Bomb Disposal Unit, the story stated.


Kristen Kwiatkowski, who has a son that attends the school, said: "I thought schools were supposed to be safe. I thought my son was safe, now I question that. Whether the children were a target or not, he endangered every single one of them by bringing that bomb into the school."


Superintendent Eric Ely said that until Friday, he was unaware of the investigation into Raucci and that he only has one complaint in his 36-year-old personnel file, the story noted.


A letter was sent home to parents explaining the incident, the story added.


According to police, additional charges are possible as they continue to investigate other incidents of vandalism, intimidation and attempted use of bombs throughout the Capital Region.