Two Charged with Forest Arson Fires in Tennessee
Friday, April 09, 2010 | 07:03am
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Ag Crime Unit have arrested two men on unrelated forest arson charges this week. The fires burned many acres of forest land and injured firefighters. The fires occurred in Hardin and Sequatchie counties.
“Our Ag Crime Unit and local law enforcement were quick to respond and worked together to apprehend these individuals,” said State Forester Steven Scott. “Forest fires during this time of year can spread quickly and endanger human life and property.”
The arrests include:
- William David Scott, 56, of Savannah, Tenn. has been charged with four counts of setting fire to personal property or land in Hardin County. More than 120 acres of land burned in Hardin County due to these fires.
- Walter David Stockwell, 68, of Dunlap, Tenn. has been charged with two counts of setting fire to personal property or land in Sequatchie County. He also has charges pending in connection with several other arson fires in Grundy, Van Buren, Marion and Hamilton counties. In the past week, more than 800 acres of land have burned due to arson in Sequatchie County.
“Forest arson is a very serious crime and we will prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law,” said Max Thomas, Agriculture Investigation Supervisor.
Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $50. Wildfires caused by arson are a class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline toll-free at 1-800-762-3017. Rewards up to $1,500 are available for tips leading to a conviction. Callers can remain anonymous.
For more information about the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, visit www.TN.gov/agriculture.