A Florida man believed to be responsible for multiple fires in the Umatilla area of Lake County, Fla., has been arrested, according to a statement by Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis.
James Anthony Bennett was arrested this month on four counts of arson and two counts of armed burglary after a joint investigation by arson detectives from the Florida Department of Financial Services, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Umatilla Police Department.
A joint investigation revealed that Bennett allegedly committed several acts of arson in the Umatilla area including two structure fires occurring at the Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q and at Sunoco (793 South Central Avenue). In addition, he is a suspect in multiple vehicle fires occurring on Saltsdale Road, East Cemetery Road and Pine Tree Drive.
All fires occurred in the same region of Lake County and within a 25-hour time span.
Bennet was arrested on April 18 and booked into Lake County Jail on charges of 1st and 2nd degree arson and burglary. If convicted, he faces up to 150 years in prison.
Patronis called on the public to help catch the suspected serial arsonist back in February.
“My dedicated arson detectives have been working tirelessly alongside local law enforcement to stop this wanted arsonist before he struck again,” Patronis said.
He noted there were approximately $21 million in arson-related losses in Florida in 2017.
“If you commit arson, you will be caught and you will be locked up,” Patronis said.
Source: Florida Department of Financial Services
Topics Florida
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