LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The case against a man who allegedly tried to burn down the Mary Todd Lincoln House will head to a grand jury.
29-year-old Santosh Sharma is charged with menacing, criminal trespassing, and attempted arson.
Police say Sharma was seen with a hammer and gasoline behind the historic site Friday, June 16.
Sharma appeared in court Tuesday morning for a preliminary hearing.
According to testimony heard in court, investigators say Sharma was essentially caught in the act before he could do any significant damage. Police say Sharma was wielding a hammer at them when they found him at the historic site with a lighter and jugs of gasoline.
Sharma's attorney asked for a reduced charge claiming attempted arson is too severe given her client never was accused of igniting the gasoline but Judge Lindsay Hughes-Thurston felt otherwise, saying it was more likely a swift response by police that staved off any further damage.
He is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center.
