Arson, Insurance Fraud Lead to Arrest of Wilkinson County Man

ATLANTA – The Office of Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John F. King announced today the arrest of Huby Knight Jr., 46, by the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Knight has been charged by local authorities with Arson in the 1st Degree, Making False Statement, and Insurance Fraud after a fire at 139 Allen Street in Irwinton on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.

In mid-July, Wilkinson County officials responded to a mobile home fire which started in the home’s kitchen. After an investigation by the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Knight was arrested on August 7 on charges of Making False Statements, False Report of a Crime, and Cruelty to Children in the 1st Degree.

“Our Fire Investigations Unit was contacted on August 19 by the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office when they learned the residential fire may have been set intentionally,” said Commissioner King. “Upon further investigation, we determined there was both Arson and Insurance Fraud involved with the July 14 fire.”

After a search warrant was issued and the scene was documented, investigators learned that a homeowner’s insurance policy with Independent Mutual had been taken out a few days prior to the fire. Investigators contacted the third party who deposited the $7,112.84 fraudulent insurance settlement on behalf of Mr. Knight. Arrangements have been made to reimburse Independent Mutual for the amount of the settlement.

The Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate these charges alongside state investigators while Mr. Knight is being held at Wilkinson County Jail without bond.

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The mission of the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.