White County announces arrest in church arson

A man already incarcerated in Cherokee County on unrelated charges is now also charged in a Christmas church arson in White County.

Clint Vance, 33, of Kennesaw is charged with setting a fire at Solid Rock Baptist Church on Ga. 115 West at the Lumpkin County line, said White County Sheriff’s Capt. Clay Hammond.

The fire, set the night of Dec. 25, at the back of the church building, burned itself out.

A tip received by the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office led to Vance being identified in the White County case, Hammond said.

Vance has been charged with arson and vandalism to a place of worship, Hammond said.

The investigation is continuing by the White County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, which may lead to other charges being filed, Hammond said.