Custodian Blamed for Edison School Fire [VIDEO]

A custodian has been charged in connection with the fast-moving fire that destroyed James Monroe Elementary School in Edison on Saturday.

Jerome C. Higgins of East Brunswick was allegedly smoking inside the school and tossed an unfinished portion of the cigarette into a trash can.

"The contents of the trash can, located in the custodian's office, caught fire and the blaze spread through the building," the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office stated in a press release.

The 48-year-old was charged Monday with a disorderly persons offense; smoking is prohibited on school grounds.

The six-alarm fire began at approximately 7:45 p.m. Saturday and gutted the 50-year-old building within hours.

Students are slated to resume classes Wednesday at Middlesex County College.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Custodian charged after fire at Edison elementary school / ABC 7
• Custodian charged with starting fire that destroyed James Monroe elementary School in Edison / Star-:Ledger