2 teens charged in Melrose store arson

18-year-old arrested last week in Putnam County burglaries

Frederick Martin and Mathew Cemer

MELROSE, Fla. – Deputies in Clay County have charged two teens in connection with the burglary, grand theft and arson of a Melrose convenience store earlier this month.

Detectives believe 18-year-old Frederick Martin and 14-year-old Mathew Cemer, both of Melrose, are responsible for the fire at the Melorse Chevron and Nick's Quick Stop store on Lakeview Road on April 13 that caused nearly a half-million dollars in damage and loss.

Recommended Videos



Martin is already in custody in Putnam County, where he, two adults and three other teens are facing charges related to dozens of burglary cases there.

Fire at Nick's Quick Stop in Melrose. Photo provided by Clay County Fire Rescue.

Cemer was arrested on the Clay County warrant and is being held in the Alachua County Juvenile Detention Center.

In regards to their criminal history in Clay County, Martin has one prior arrest in 2011 for grand theft auto, and Mathew Cemer has one prior arrest in 2013 for burglary of a conveyance and grand theft of a farm animal.