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Historic Villanova Mansion Charred in Suspected Arson

A historic mansion was ravaged by a fire that commanded 100 firefighters. Read about the civil lawsuit and multi-million-dollar insurance claim here.

By Christina Bramlet | Updated on December 20, 2012
The April 4, 2012 blaze in question drew 100 firefighters and took an obvious toll on the Bloomfield mansion. (Photo credit: Dannon Voight ©)

A burning home is a sad sight, made all the more devastating when a piece of history is destroyed with it. In one Pennsylvania town, locals are mourning the battered façade of a once regal country estate after a massive blaze may have ruined it forever.

From the ashes of a powerful fire for which the cause has yet to be determined arises a lawsuit pinning owner against tenant. Among other allegations, the lawsuit cites insurance fraud, wire fraud, arson, and a staged theft. The 53-page court document filed by Jerald Batoff, the owner of the charred mansion, reads more like a screenplay than a lawsuit, complete with an interesting cast of characters, including a mysterious so-called socialite from Montreal and her interior designer/business mogul boyfriend.

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