A Habersham County woman was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 29, in connection with a fire earlier this year at her home.
Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens announced Thursday that Rebecca Lynn Abernathy, 49, has been charged with first-degree arson for allegedly setting fire to her home, and one count of insurance fraud for submitting a fraudulent insurance claim.
Abernathy was booked in at the Habersham County Detention Center in Clarkesville.
The charges are the result of an investigation by an arson investigator in Hudgens’ State Fire Marshal Division, with assistance from the Habersham Fire Department and Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, according to Glenn Allen of Hudgens’ office.
“Investigators allege that on Jan. 21, around 12:30 a.m., Abernathy intentionally set fire to the home located at 4195 Cannon Bridge Road, Demorest,” Allen said.
Allen said Abernathy later filed an insurance claim with State Farm with the potential to receive up to $240,000 in insurance proceeds from the loss.
“Arson is a crime that puts our residents and first responders at tremendous risk,” Hudgens said. “I urge all residents to report any information regarding arson so we can hold individuals accountable for their actions.”
If convicted, Abernathy could face up to one to 20 years in prison and could be ordered to pay restitution and up to $50,000 in fines, according to Allen.
