A Habersham County woman is charged with first-degree arson and insurance fraud after allegedly setting fire to her home.
49-year old Rebecca Lynn Abernathy was arrested on Aug. 29 and booked into the Habersham County jail.
Investigators allege that on January 21, around 12:30 a.m., Abernathy intentionally set fire to the home located at 4195 Cannon Bridge Road in Demorest. Abernathy later filed an insurance claim with State Farm with the potential to receive up to $240,000 in insurance proceeds from the loss.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the case with assistance from the Habersham County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office.
“Arson is a crime that puts our residents and first responders at tremendous risk,” says Insurance and State Fire Safety Commissioner Ralph Hudgens. “I urge all residents to report any information regarding arson so we can hold individuals accountable for their actions.”
If convicted, Abernathy could face up to one to 20 years in prison and could be ordered to pay restitution and up to $50,000 in fines.
