Two teens charged in Bernie pavilion fire

BERNIE, Mo. -- Two Bernie teens were released on bond this week after being charged with felony second-degree arson.

Sahara Megan Cobb, 17, and Allissa M. Wilhite, 18, were both charged for taking part in burning down the pavilion at Bernie City Park over the weekend.

According to a report filed by Sgt. Patrick S. Cole of the Bernie Police Department, the police received a phone tip Monday that Cobb and a female juvenile had burned down the pavilion Saturday.

As Cole was on his way to question Cobb, he was dispatched to a Bernie store where there was a suspected shoplifter. The alleged shoplifter, Wilhite, was read her rights and then questioned as to what she might know about the pavilion fire.

Wilhite reportedly told the officer that she, Cobb, and a female juvenile were at the park on Saturday and that the three "were bored and decided to set fire to the pavilion."

Wilhite told the officer the juvenile girl was the one who used a lighter and actually set the fire and that the girl did so under the direction of Cobb.

When the juvenile was questioned, she reportedly confessed, providing a story similar to Wilhite's.

Cobb was then questioned by officers and said the three had indeed been at the pavilion and "wanted to do something crazy." Cobb claimed she suggested they set fire to the trash can under the pavilion, but that she "didn't have the nerve" to do it herself.

Cobb told authorities she and Wilhite watched for vehicles in the area while the juvenile took the lighter and set the fire that eventually destroyed the pavilion.

Cobb and Wilhite were arrested and taken to the Stoddard County Jail, where each posted a $2,000 bond. They will appear in court Thursday before Judge Joe Z. Satterfield.

Pertinent address:

Bernie, MO