Two Arrested for Arson of Historic Church in Carroll County

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that Frederick Devin Smith, 33, and Monica Marie Burnett, 18, both of Carroll County, have been arrested in connection with a January 4th fire that destroyed a historic church in Bowden, Georgia.

“This needless fire completely destroyed the 121-year-old Smith Chapel Church featured on the National Historical Register,” said Commissioner King. “Our investigators assisted the Carroll County Fire Department and Carroll County Sheriff’s Department with this case.”

Smith was arrested by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Arson in the 2nd Degree and Possession of Methamphetamine, while Burnett was arrested and charged with Arson in the 2nd Degree.

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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.