Franklin Man Keith Mann, 49, Arrested in Federal Arson Case

Keith Eugene Mann, 49, of Franklin, N.C., is behind bars on federal arson charges after allegedly torching multiple wildfires in the Nantahala National Forest. Arrested today and charged with one count of destroying real property of the United States by means of fire, Mann now faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison if convicted.

The fires began on October 27, 2016, when flames erupted on U.S. Forest Service Road 388, known locally as Board Tree Road in Macon County. Dubbed the 'Grape Cove' fire, investigators say the blaze scorched roughly fifteen acres and was intentionally set. Court documents allege that five other small fires were also ignited nearby — all extinguished before spreading — and that wooden-stemmed matches were found at multiple sites.

On November 22, 2016, a second wildfire flared at the end of USFS Road 763, or Jones Creek Road. This time, the fire was reported by a man who identified himself as 'Keith Mann.' Firefighters contained the Jones Creek fire to about one acre. But suspicion grew when law enforcement spotted a mid-sized Chevrolet pickup in the area — later tied to the defendant.

The next day, investigators returned to the Jones Creek site and discovered a small cardboard box at the fire's origin, surrounded by burned wooden matches. That same day, authorities confirmed the 911 caller who reported the fire was Keith Mann. When confronted, Mann allegedly admitted to setting both the Grape Cove and Jones Creek fires.

Mann made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell. His detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, December 5, 2016. The charge of destroying U.S. real property by fire carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

The U.S. Forest Service is leading the investigation, with support from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Edwards is prosecuting. Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, confirmed the arrest alongside Steven F. Ruppert of the U.S. Forest Service and Sheriff Robert L. Holland. The charges remain allegations; Mann is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.