FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2006
(Columbia, SC) A series of small woods fires could mean big trouble for a Lexington man. Forestry Commission agents yesterday arrested 20-year old Billy Frank Cornett, Jr. charging him with three counts of woods arson.
According to reports, firefighters encountered Cornett at one of three closely-spaced woods fires near Red Bank Thursday afternoon. After talking with Cornett, firefighters became suspicious and contacted Forestry law enforcement.
When agents questioned Cornett Monday afternoon, he admitted setting the fires. He was arrested and booked into the Lexington County Detention Center.
Cornett is charged with two counts of willfull and malicious firesetting and one count of intentionally burning lands of another. If convicted on all charges, he could be facing more than ten years in prison.
At a hearing Tuesday morning, Cornett’s bond was set at $60,000. As of noon Tuesday, he was still being held at the detention center.
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THIS RELEASE REPORTS AN ARREST. ALL SUBJECTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNLESS PROVEN OTHERWISE IN A COURT OF LAW.