UTICA — The New Hartford man accused of setting several fires at town businesses is scheduled to make his first appearance in Oneida County Court on Friday, according to court officials.

Mark E. Palmano, 43, was indicted by a grand jury on Feb. 23 on three counts of third-degree arson, court officials said. He is scheduled for arraignment before Judge Robert L. Bauer.

An indictment is a formal charge made against a person by a grand jury. It does not establish guilt or remove the presumption of innocence.

Authorities said at 11 p.m. Dec. 10, Palmano set fire to Mangia Macrina's pizzeria on Seneca Turnpike, causing significant damage to the building. At 9:30 p.m. Dec. 13, police said Palmano set fire to the former Zebb's restaurant, also on Seneca Turnpike.

Then around 10 p.m. Jan. 8, police said Palmano set fire to the former Word of Life church on Oneida Street in Chadwicks.

No one was injured in any of the fires, all of which were doused by local fire departments. All three buildings sustained some damage.