WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Hot Springs man charged in connection with a series of arsons
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The Alleghany County Sheriff's Office has charged a Hot Springs man with arson.
Authorities were called to the 200 block of N. Smith Bridge Road in the Falling Springs Garden area of Alleghany County for a prowler. When deputies arrived, they found a house on fire. Investigators determined the cause to be arson.
Deputies arrested 39-year-old Timothy Wayne Nicely of Hot Springs and charged him with "arson" in connection with this event.
According to a news release, "Information obtained during this investigation has also led to charges in 7 other suspected arson cases in the same area that have been ongoing since February 2008 including:"
We're told the approximate total value of items destroyed is $305,000.
Here is the full news release:
On October 29, 2009, at 11:05pm, our E911 Dispatch Center received a request for deputies to respond to the area of the 200 block of N. Smith Bridge Rd. in the Falling Springs Garden area of Alleghany County for a prowler. Shortly after deputies arrived on the scene, a house in the neighborhood began to burn. Falling Springs Fire Dept. responded to the burning structure and battled the blaze for several hours. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson. Deputies searched the area with the assistance of a K-9. Investigators, with the assistance of Commonwealth's Attorney Ed Stein, processed the crime scene and evidence was collected.
Timothy Wayne Nicely, 39, of Hot Springs has been arrested and charged with "Arson" in connection with this event. Information obtained during this investigation has also led to charges in 7 other suspected arson cases in the same area that have been ongoing since February 2008 including:
The approximate total value of the items destroyed in these fires is $305,000.00. Arson is a Class 4 felony and carries the possibility of 2-10 years in prison and up to $100,000.00 fine on each charge. If convicted on all counts Nicely could receive a maximum of 80 years in prison and $800,000.00 in fines.
The Alleghany County Sheriffs Office wishes to thank all citizens of the area who reported suspicious persons and activities that led to the arrests in these events. This investigation will continue until all evidence has been collected and processed.
To report suspicious activities please call 911.
