A Columbus, Georgia, man has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to deliberately setting a wildfire that burned 108 acres in Talbot County.
According to the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), William Shane Harvey was taken into custody by GFC law enforcement officers near the fire in March. He was charged with arson in the second degree.
Harvey pleaded guilty to the charge on September 14 in Talbot Superior Court. He was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
No injuries were reported in the wildfire. However, the fire destroyed two outbuildings, damaged two residences and caused property damage affecting 11 victims.
The Georgia Forestry Commission said its investigators are certified by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council and receive specialized training to investigate wildland fires and other forestry-related crimes.
Penalties for arson convictions can include fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Anyone with information about suspected arson, timber theft or other criminal forestry activity can contact GFC investigators through the Arson Hotline at 1-800-GA-TREES (1-800-428-7337).
