Stephen Charles Setter, Arson, Georgia 2020

A devastating fire ravaged the city's Code Enforcement Office in Savannah, Georgia, on May 3, 2020. The blaze left authorities scrambling for answers, but a recent indictment has shed light on the culprit behind the inferno.

Stephen Charles Setter, 18, of Savannah, has been charged with one count of Arson by a U.S. District Court grand jury, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a minimum possible sentence of five years in prison, up to 20 years, along with substantial financial fines and penalties and up to five years of supervised release after completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

The indictment alleges that Setter 'maliciously damaged and destroyed, by means of fire,' the City of Savannah Code Enforcement Office at 1700 Drayton Street. Authorities praised the exceptional efforts of the Savannah Fire Department for safely securing the facility and surrounding structures from further harm, with no injuries to firefighters or other citizens.

'Protection of life and property is paramount in our service to the community,' said U.S. Attorney Christine. 'We are grateful that the exceptional efforts of the Savannah Fire Department safely secured the facility and surrounding structures from further harm, with no injuries to firefighters or other citizens.'

Through a collaborative effort with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the case is being investigated by the Savannah Fire Department Arson Unit, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tania D. Groover.

The defendant's current status is still pending, and he has not yet entered a plea. The case highlights the importance of preserving life and property, and the swift resolution achieved by the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The City of Savannah Code Enforcement Office at 1700 Drayton Street suffered significant damage in the fire on May 3, 2020. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the consequences of reckless behavior.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdga/pr/savannah-man-indicted-setting-fire-damaged-citys-code-enforcement-office-fire