A suspended state trooper today was ordered to stand trial on a charge of solicitation to commit arson after an ex-convict reported that the officer asked him to burn down his girlfriend's house nearly three years ago.

Prosecutors withdrew charges of arson, conspiracy to commit arson and obstructing the administration of law that had been filed against the trooper, Daniel Freeman, 36, of Amity.

He remains free on $35,000 bond, pending trial.

District Judge Curtis Thompson in Washington, Pa., ordered the trial on a single count after a preliminary hearing today.

The informant, Robert Merashoff, 40, of Amity, offered the information last December. He explained to investigators that he and Trooper Freeman grew up together and that the trooper asked him to burn down the house of the trooper's girlfriend, Terri Marchewka of Charleroi.

In exchange for the fire, Mr. Merashoff told police, Mr. Freeman offered to provide him information about pending investigations against him.

Mr. Merashoff currently is being held on $350,000 bail in the Washington County Jail while awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges stemming from his arrest in November.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.