Alleged Arsonist Infatuated with Victims' Daughter

The Grafton man charged with Friday was infatuated with the homeowners’ daughter, court records said.

Joseph E. Mullen, 29, of 27 Stowe Rd., was charged with arson of a dwelling, breaking and entering in the daytime for a felony and destruction of property over $250.

He was arraigned today at Westborough District Court. He was denied bail and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.

He was also ordered by Judge Vito Virzi to stay away from the victim and the victims’ family, wherever they may be living.

Mullen is charged with breaking into the home of the parents of the girl he was infatuated with, court records said.

He poured gasoline on the couch and set it ablaze, court records said.

He was identified by a witness, court records said.

No one was injured in the blaze, which was reported at 12:39 p.m. Jan. 13. Two dogs perished in the fire.

The prosecution requested that bailed be denied because of severity of the charges and the fact that he had a prior conviction on malicious destruction of property in 2008, court records said.

He also had a criminal record as a juvenile, court records said.

His case was continued to Feb. 3.