Three Arrests Made in Connection to Talbot County Arson Investigation

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today the arrests of former Talbot County Sheriff Justin “Jake” Johnson, 37; Wallace Copeland, 63; and Jimmy Buchanan, 72.  

On November 3, 2023, the State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist in the investigation of a residential home fire that occurred on Turkey Roost Lane in Shiloh, Georgia. The three men were subsequently arrested following a multi-agency investigation on January 31, 2025, and each charged with two counts of Arson and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Arson.

This case was worked alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Arrest assistance was provided by the Georgia State Patrol, Harris County Sheriff's Office, Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, and Manchester Police Department.

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The mission of the Office Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire 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.