Michael Dotro's lawyers are expected to file a motion Monday to reduce bail in connection with an alleged firebombing scheme.
NEW BRUNSWICK -- A former Edison police officer charged with firebombing his superior's house is expected to appear in court Monday for separate similar alleged scheme.
Michael Dotro is accused of hatching a plot, along with fellow officer Christian Pedana, to torch the home of Edison Police Capt. Matthew Freeman in April 2013. Although the plot never materialized, the 39-year-old, who resigned from the force in September, was charged with conspiring to commit an aggravated arson and official misconduct.
On Monday, Dotro's lawyers are expected to file a motion in Middlesex County Superior Court in front of Judge Alberto Rivas to reduce his bail related to the charges, which was originally set at $35,000.
Dotro appeared in court last week with his wife Alycia in an unrelated case, where the two face charges over allegedly using the department's records database illegally. Attorneys said they will seek to dismiss the charges.
The 10-year veteran of the Edison police department also stands accused of setting fire to Deputy Chief Mark Anderko's home while Anderko and his family were asleep. No one was injured in the blaze.
The alleged arson happened after Anderko reportedly ordered Dotro to undergo a psychological evaluation.
Dotro was charged with five counts of attempted murder and aggravated arson. He has since pleaded not guilty.
The most recent charges stem the Anderko investigation when the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office seized the personal cell phones of more than a dozen Dotro' colleagues and friends.
Pedana was charged with official misconduct and faces a charge of false swearing over an alleged false statement given to the prosecutor's officer in June of 2013. The 16-year veteran's status with the department was unclear.
Pedana's brother, officer David Pedana, was suspended for 95 work days but kept his position in the police department after authorities said they found slur-ridden text messages during the Anderko firebombing investigation.
Dotro pleaded guilty along with four other officers for their roles in a retaliation campaign to get back at a North Brunswick officer for charging one of Dotro's relatives with drunk driving.
The officer with a history of disciplinary problems is also accused of buying marijuana while in uniform, planning to sell the drugs and slashing a woman's tires.
Dotro has remained free on $1.6 million bail.
Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.