Updated 5/4/20:

WHITE COUNTY MAN WANTED FOR CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

ATLANTA – Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office are currently searching for the whereabouts of James Christopher Hughes, 63, of Cleveland, Georgia. Hughes is wanted for one count of Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree for his alleged involvement in setting fire to his own home off of Campbell Street in Cleveland on April 29.

“Several occupants were home at the time this fire was set, but thankfully only minor damages were caused and no injuries were sustained. However, this is still an illegal and highly dangerous act that will not be tolerated in Georgia,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “If you have any information on the whereabouts of this individual, please call my Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804.”
Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office are assisting the City of Cleveland Fire

Department and the White County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

ATLANTA – According to a press release from the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office a fire at a White County apartment complex last week was intentionally set.

The fire was set in a busted hole in the drywall between the bathroom and bedroom area of the apartment. “The occupants of the 19-year-old, 1,200 square-foot apartment were home at the time the arson occurred, but thankfully the fire only caused minor damages and no injuries were sustained,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King.

“If you have any information on the individual or individuals responsible, I ask that you call my Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804.” Rewards are offered of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist(s).

Calls are taken 24 hours a day and callers can choose to remain anonymous. Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit is assisting the City of Cleveland Fire Department and White County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.