Man Arrested in Connection with Hartwell Fire

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that James Cleveland, 50, was arrested in connection with a Hart County fire. The suspect is being charged with Arson in the 1st Degree and Criminal Damage to property.

The fire occurred on March 12th at the 58-year-old, 1400-square-foot residence on Wayne Circle in Hartwell.

“The residence had been vacant since 2019 and had no utilities connected,” said Commissioner King. “The fire damaged several rooms and the roof of the residence. Mr. Cleveland was subsequently arrested by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office as a result.”

Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit is assisting the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department with this investigation. The suspect is being held in the Hart County Jail.

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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.