Suspect in gym fire in Fryeburg waives extradition to Maine

PORTLAND – A 2003 graduate of Fryeburg Academy accused of burning down the school gymnasium has waived extradition from Michigan and agreed to return to Maine to face an arson charge.

Philip Thibault was arrested Saturday in Flint, Mich., on a federal warrant charging him with setting the Oct. 12 fire that destroyed the $1.7 million recreation complex and much of the school’s athletic gear. No one was injured in the blaze.

Prosecutors have not said how they linked Thibault to the fire, and academy Headmaster Dan Lee said he had no reason to think the young man was angry at the school.

Thibault also faces charges in Portland District Court of theft, unauthorized use of a credit card, and forgery stemming from an alleged attempt to buy items at Target in South Portland with a stolen credit card.

Thibault was freed on $250 bail pending an Oct. 25 court date but failed to show up, records say.