Trial Nears For Accused Westclox Arsonist

A teen charged with setting Westclox on fire will put his trust in a judge over a jury.

17-year old Steven Gallacher of La Salle waived his right to a jury trial yesterday, instead choosing to have Judge H. Chris Ryan decide his guilt or innocence.  The bench trial is likely to start Tuesday in Ottawa.

Gallacher was arrested as hundreds of firefighters were trying to control a blaze that took out a large portion of the old clock factory on New Years morning. Gallacher and a 15 boy from Peru were arrested for arson, only Gallacher was charged as an adult.  He’s been in the La Salle County Jail ever since.

The younger boy pled guilty earlier this year and is on probation.