Jasper County Sun 2 arrested in 3 suspicious fires South Carolina Law Enforcement (SLED) agents arrested and charged two Yemassee men in connection with area fires in March, July, and September. According to a news release, Christopher Lamont Williams, 22, and Dominique Jarell Thompson, 21, were each charged with conspiracy; third-degree burglary; and third-degree arson in connection with a March 22 mobile home fire at 135 Hacklous Road in Yemassee. According to the warrant affidavits, on March 22, Senior SLED Agent Scott Hardee of the Arson Division was requested by Hampton County Fire-Rescue to investigate a suspicious fire at 135 Hacklous Road in Yemassee. Based on the investigation by Hardee and Hampton County Sheriffs Officer James Brooker, the fire was determined to be intentionally set in two separate rooms of the single- wide mobile home. On Dec. 12, information was gathered that led to the development of Williams as a suspect. He was interviewed by Hardee and SLED Lieutenant Craig Collier. Agent Hardee obtained a written confession from Williams after Williams waived his Miranda Rights. Williams admitted to entering the mobile home without consent where he started the fire using a lighter and gasoline poured on available materials. These acts were completed with the help of Thompson, who drove Williams to and from the Hacklous Road home as well as to the gas station to purchase the gasoline used to start the fire. Thompson then drove Williams home. Williams and Thompson were charged with conspiracy and third-degree arson in connection with a July 15 fire in a building at 3352 Point South Drive in Yemassee. According to a SLED warrant affidavit, on July 15, Jasper County Fire -Rescue responded to a structure fire at 3352 Point South Drive. The Sheriffs Office requested SLED Arson Investigation Unit assistance. As a result of the joint investigation, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set. On Dec. 11, an interview was conducted by SLED Special Agent Seals with the defendant in reference to the fire and the defendant (Williams) admitted that he and the co-conspirator (Thompson) drove around looking for a place to set a fire in Point South. After locating the Old Country Kitchen Restaurant, the two drove to a Jasper County fire station and got a gas can. The defendant and co-conspirator returned to the structure and set a fire at or around a wooded shed behind the structure by pouring gasoline and lighting it and is in violation of the S.C. Code of Laws as Amended. Williams was charged with third-degree arson, third-degree burglary in connection with a Sept. 6 motel fire at 3196 Point South Drive in Yemassee. According to the SLED warrant affidavit, On Sept. 6, SLED Agent Hardee was requested by Jasper County Sheriffs Office to investigate a suspicious fire at the Econo Lodge in Yemassee. Based on the investigation, the fires were determined to be intentionally set in five vacant rooms and in a furniture pile in the rear parking lot. On Dec. 11, information was gathered that led to the development of Williams as a suspect. He was interviewed by SLED Special Agent Daniel Russell. Agent Russell obtained a written confession from Williams after Williams waived his Miranda Rights. Williams admitted to entering the motel rooms without consent where he started the fires using lighter and available material. According to the SLED news release, all charges are felonies. The charge of third-degree arson carries a penalty upon conviction of up to 15 years in prison. The charge of third-degree burglary carries a penalty upon conviction of up to five years in prison. The conspiracy charge carries a penalty upon conviction of up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000. SLED investigated the cases at the request of the Hampton and Jasper County Sheriffs Departments. Williams and Thompson were booked at the Hampton County Detention Center. The cases will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:17:16 +0000
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