The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Investigators arrested two Mowbray Mountain Volunteer firefighters today on indictments that were returned from the Hamilton County Grand Jury for Aggravated Arson.

These arrests are the result of an investigation that began in early 2009, into a series of vacant residential arson fires that occurred on Mowbray Mountain. The investigation was conducted jointly with investigators from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Investigators with the Hamilton County Fire Investigation Task Force.

On June 17, 2009, investigators responded to 1601 Poe Road located on Mowbray Mountain on a suspicious vacant residential fire. The result of the investigation showed the fire was of an incendiary nature. This investigation lead investigators to two suspects, George Lewis age 19 and William Harris age 18. It was found during the investigation that after igniting the fire both Lewis and Harris responded to the scene as members of the Mowbray Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.

Investigators are continuing to look at other suspicious fires that have occurred in the Mowbray Mountain community to determine the possibility of future criminal charges.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Hamilton County Fire Investigation Task Force and the Mowbray Mountain Volunteer Fire Department for their cooperation and assistance during the investigation. In no way should this reflect on the dedication of the men and women who give their time to the Mowbray Mountain community as members of the Mowbray Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.

Mug shots will be sent when available.