Ex-Talbot County Sheriff, two others arrested in arson investigation
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- Former Talbot County Sheriff Justin Johnson and two others arrested January 31, 2025 in arson investigation involving home fire.
- Three men charged with arson, conspiracy, and insurance fraud; investigation ongoing with additional charges expected.
An investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has led to the arrest of a former Talbot County sheriff and two other Manchester men.
The investigation began on Monday, November 6, 2023, when the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire requested GBI’s assistance with an arson investigation involving a Shilo, Talbot County, GA home.
In a press release issued on January 31, 2025, the GBI announced they had arrested and charged Jimmy Buchanan, age 70, of Manchester, GA, and Wallace Copland, age 62, of Manchester, GA, with two counts of Arson and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Arson. They were booked into the Harris County Jail.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Justin Monchez Johnson was also arrested on January 31, 2025. According to jail records, Johnson was charged with arson first degree, conspiracy to commit a felony, and insurance fraud. Johnson was Sheriff of Talbot County for four years.
GBI has confirmed the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire at 404-656-2070 or the Regional Investigative Office in Columbus at (706) 565-7888. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.
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