Essex Woman Charged in Franklin Square Fires

On December 12, the Baltimore County Fire Department responded to MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, 9000 Franklin Square Drive in Roseville for a trash bin fire in a soiled utility room on the third floor.

Due to the suspicious nature of the fire, Baltimore County Police responded to investigate. On December 13, police and fire responded again to MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center for two more fires, located on the fourth and fifth floors. A check of the hospital by the staff discovered two additional fires. A total of five fires were discovered between Dec. 12 and 13.

Detectives noticed that all of the fires were set in the same manner and were done intentionally. Through a series of interviews, evidence collection and investigative techniques, it was determined that an employee was responsible for setting all of the fires.

Emani Doretha Coclough, 23, of the 600 block of Middlesex Road in Essex, has been charged with five counts of second degree malicious burning.

She is a current employee of MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and was working in the hospital at the time of the fires.

Coclough is currently being held on a no bail status and will have a bail review today.