After two fires in three days, homeowner says he's "a target"

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After two fires in three days, homeowner says he's "a target"

By PAT BAILEY

MOHAWK, N.Y. (WKTV) - A Mohawk man says that after two fires on his property in just three days, and a police investigation into those fires ongoing, he feels as though he is being targeted.

Herkimer County fire investigators have ruled both fires at 30 North Street - one that occurred on Tuesday afternoon to a storage shed, and early Thursday morning to a house - as suspicious.

Lloyd Strobeck owns the home on 30 North Street in Mohawk, which has several bedrooms. Living by himself, Strobeck rents out the spare bedrooms in his house to other people. However, Strobeck says he is worried because of the types of people he rents to - former prison inmates - and he is afraid that it could lead to more attacks on his property.   

Neighbors in the area were concerned about the clients Strobeck was renting to, and then rumors started swirling that Strobeck was set to take in a Level Three sex offender. 

"I'm working within the law," said Strobeck. "I'm not doing anything illegal."
    
Strobeck says he has heard several complaints from his neighbors on North Street, and even some threats. While he says that will not stop who he takes in, he says two fires in three days will.

"I'm 80 years old and after having been in this business for 43 years, I think it is time that I can go around without being harassed all the time", Strobeck said.
    
Several of Strobeck's neighbors declined to comment Friday night. 

"If you don't try to help somebody and fail that's different," Strobeck said in regards to those he rents to. "But if you try and can do something...it's worth it."

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Tuesday, Sep 9 at 10:51 AM To Wondering why wrote ...

I suppose we just should euthanize any ex-con period huh? Death penalty on all crimes thanks the not in my backyard mentality.

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Monday, Sep 8 at 9:05 AM Keep the Faith wrote ...

In Regards to this matter This world needs People to give all Beings a second chance.

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Sunday, Sep 7 at 7:40 AM Wondering why my comment wasn't posted wrote ...

It was title, No disrespect to Mr. Strobeck . . . stating that perhaps he should let our tax $ work and let the counties "re-entry" programs work, where these men who have amassed felonies can be closely monitored. I don't believe the men he takes in are "gentleman" if they were they never would have gone to prison in the first place. They are dangerous ppl who are capable of who knows what. I wouldn't want it in my backyard. I feel sorry for the blogger who keeps his wife and child inside!

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Sunday, Sep 7 at 12:47 AM That wrote ...

is up to the law Sparky. If they're released, no danger. I guess murdering an old man is alright just as long as everyone feels safe.

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Saturday, Sep 6 at 9:10 PM Viewer wrote ...

You should really check your facts. He lied in this interview. He doesn't rent to 3 former convicts. They are 3 perfectly nice gentlemen. His neighbors have no problems with them & haven't said a word to Mr. Strobeck. We did have a problem with the one he tried to get in and handled it through the appropriate legal channels. None of us wish Mr. Strobeck any harm. He has kept this going & now has the media's attn. Kind of makes you wonder just who started the fire in his own home.

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Saturday, Sep 6 at 8:55 PM Neighbor wrote ...

I wish I had been interviewed. Neighbors did nothing. House was locked up..he just keeps problems going. Perhaps he set the fire to try & get some sympathy. He is the one that has kept it going. We have all let it drop & will just keep our wives & kids locked up in the house if the freak moves in. He claims to be a christian, but doesn't act like it. Tell the whole story.

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Saturday, Sep 6 at 6:26 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I would'nt count on the Mohawk Police. I've called them before and had gotten an answering machine. Better get some real cops to check that out.

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Saturday, Sep 6 at 4:30 PM 80 year olds make mistakes too wrote ...

I am sorry that this happened. Only people need to realize we are not living in the same world as we use to. The one way to stop this behavior is by not condoning it.Be aware of the now that is happening on a daily basis.

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Saturday, Sep 6 at 11:24 AM SparkyGump wrote ...

I know arson is a crime but sometimes people have to go to extreme measures to protect themselves. Sex offenders should be kept away from us until it can be proven they pose no danger.

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Saturday, Sep 6 at 10:51 AM Geezus people wrote ...

He's 80! If he's not a lousy neighbor besides and his tenants haven't caused any problems leave him alone. I wouldn't like the idea of being close to that sort of situation either, but I wouldn't try to burn him out. Whomever set the fire(s) is just as criminal as his boarders.

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