FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 4, 2025
A Talbot County man has been jailed on felony arson charges. Fifty-two-year old William Shane Harvey, of Box Springs, was arrested by law enforcement officers from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Talbot County Sherriff’s Office on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Harvey was taken into custody near the location of a 108-acre wildfire, which he is accused of deliberately setting. While no injuries were reported, the fire destroyed two outbuildings, two residences incurred damage, and 11 victims reported property damage. According to GFC investigators, the suspect was arrested without incident and charged with Arson of Lands, GA Code 16-7-63. The violation carries a penalty of up to $50,000 or one to 20 years in prison.
Georgia Forestry Commission wildland firefighters from the Harris/Talbot/Muscogee, Marion, and Crawford County Units responded to the fire, along with the Box Springs Fire Department. Local volunteer fire departments assisted, including Geneva, O’Neal, Talbotton, and the Talbot Co. Sherriff’s Office. The Columbus Fire Department provided aid and neighbors nearby were credited for assisting as well.
Arson is one of the leading causes of wildfires in Georgia. Those who commit arson face strict penalties under Georgia law. The Georgia Forestry Commission maintains an Arson Hotline at 1-800-GA-TREES. For more information, visit GaTrees.org.
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