Two arrested in arson investigation

Published 7:33 pm Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office Arson Unit, made two arrests Monday in a month-long investigation into damaged property complaints involving arson.

Arrested were Elzie Staten, 63, of 9428 Ozell Road, Boston, and a male juvenile.

Sgt. Pascal Autrey, of the TCSO Criminal Investigation Division, said the office began receiving complaints about a month ago from Staten about arson and shots fired on the Ozell Road property.

The first incident was reported June 6.

Staten told authorities he believed someone had been in or around his property and set fire to a pole barn, according to Autrey.

“Investigators proceeded and it was determined there was no reason the structure should have caught fire,” he said. “Some of the items that should have been in the barn had been removed and were on the outskirts of the property. At that time, it was suggested a burglar or whoever did it removed the items prior to setting the fire.”

A few weeks later, authorities received another call from Staten. This time, the report was that someone set fire to his van, a 1990 Chevrolet van, parked next to his residence.

“Staten also reported in between these times he believed other activity was going on,” Autrey said. “He said persons were calling his home, walking around his house, and that shots were being fired in and around his property during the nighttime.”

The van arson incident occurred between June 30 and July 1.

“The point of origin was determined to be behind the back passenger seat on the floorboard,” Tim Roberts, arson unit investigator, said. “Once the fire started, it traveled toward the front of the vehicle and caused major damage.

The most recent incident occurred July 2, when officials received a call that someone had shot several holes in Staten’s truck, a 2002 Dodge 1500.

“Investigators responded again to process the vehicle and shell casings were recovered from around the vehicle that matched a unique style of weapon inside Staten’s residence,” Autrey said.

Upon interviewing Staten, authorities observed discrepancies in his story, officials said. More interviews were conducted and the male juvenile who was arrested admitted to aiding Staten in the destruction of his property.

“During the investigation, the reason behind the fires was determined to possibly be related to financial gain through insurance claims,” Roberts said.

The juvenile was arrested and charged with two counts of arson and one count of reckless conduct. He was released into the custody of a parent.

Staten is charged with two counts of arson.

He was arrested and taken to Thomas County Jail, where his bond was set as ROR — released on your own recognizance — due to his age and some health issues.

The investigation is ongoing, officials said.