Dracula`s Castle Arsonists Sentenced

Two teen-agers who set fire to a Wildwood boardwalk amusement attraction have been sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to write an essay apologizing.

The Jan. 16 fire destroyed Castle Dracula, a four-story haunted house and boat ride that was a boardwalk fixture for 25 years.

David Bates Jr., 15, of Lower Township, and Daniel Mullen Jr., 16, of Wildwood Crest, also must perform three months of community service, pay $2,500 in fines, participate in an anti-arson program run by the county fire marshal and have no contact with each other for three years.

"We're satisfied they're going to be punished and the public is protected," said Assistant Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Wells.

The two pleaded guilty last month to one count of arson.

According to Wells, the two found their way inside the closed building and made torches out of old rags and aerosol cans so they could see. The torches ignited a spectacular blaze that was battled by 120 firefighters from five towns.

The two were arrested when a police officer spotted them leaving the scene.

On Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Kyran Connor imposed the maximum penalty for the charge, given the boys' age. As part of the sentence, the two must write essays for Connor apologizing for their actions and explaining what they did and what happened as a result.

The owners of the property, meanwhile, are still demolishing the remains of Castle Dracula, repairing a section of damaged boardwalk and considering what to build in place of the haunted house.

A new attraction won't be in place this season, according to B.J. Nickels, manager of Nickels Midway Pier.

"We're clearing out the last bit, and then the boardwalk will be replaced within 30 days," he said.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP