The son, who was rescued by a neighbor, was unharmed.
Manuel Lliguichusca pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge of endangering the welfare of a child. The judge ordered the Ecuadorian national to turn in his passport and recommended that he enroll in parenting classes.
According to the Journal News, Lliguichusca said he was away for about 15 minutes and when he returned the house was on fire. He declined to comment.
Authorities said the single-family house had no working smoke detectors and was illegally subdivided, housing about 10 people.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
---
