Hart County authorities have arrested a suspected arsonist. Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King announced Wednesday that James Cleveland, 50, was arrested in connection with a fire in Hartwell. The suspect is being charged with arson in the 1st degree and criminal damage to property.
The fire occurred on March 12 at a 58-year-old, 1400-square-foot residence on Wayne Circle.
“The residence had been vacant since 2019 and had no utilities connected,” says Commissioner King. “The fire damaged several rooms and the roof of the residence. Mr. Cleveland was subsequently arrested by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office as a result.”
The State Fire Investigations Unit is assisting the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department with this investigation. The suspect is being held in the Hart County Jail.
This article has been updated to reflect the correct time when the accident was reported
