Pennsylvania Fire Expert Admits Lying About Degree

A Pennsylvania fire investigator has admitted he lied on the stand about his education during an arson trial.

Edmund Knight III pleaded guilty Thursday to a single count of false swearing and was sentenced to a year of probation. A felony perjury charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement.

The Lancaster County man was arraigned in July on charges stemming from his testimony during the October 2009 trial. Knight falsely testified that he had a bachelor’s degree from a state university.

The former firefighter and deputy fire marshal had testified for the defense. Knight said he thought the blaze was accidental, but the jury eventually convicted the suspect on arson and criminal mischief charges.