A former Bartow County firefighter is facing arson and weapons charges after officials said he stole 17 guns from a home while the owner was out of town and then set the house on fire.
Carey Lee Wolfe, 36, is charged with 16 felonies in connection with the incidents, jail records show. He was arrested Friday and fired Monday.
According to Bartow County incident reports obtained by AJC.com, the home on Old Mill Road was completely destroyed in an Oct. 4 blaze. The guns were not reported stolen until three days later.
An arson investigation was opened after a witness, who knew the homeowner was away, told officials that he saw a blue Ford Expedition leaving the scene, according to one report.
The homeowner later told deputies he believed Wolfe broke into his home and stole 17 of his guns before setting it on fire. The flames spread to a nearby wooded area, resulting in a wildfire, a spokesman for Georgia fire safety commissioner John King said.
Credit: Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
Credit: Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
At least two firearms were pawned at a local shop the same day of the fire. Another was reportedly recovered from Wolfe after a witness wrestled it away from him.
“The initial investigation revealed that the suspect is employed with the Bartow County Fire Department,” King said in a statement. “After that discovery, the investigation was turned over to our office to eliminate any conflicts of interests.”
Wolfe had been employed with the department since July 2017, Chief Craig Millsap told AJC.com.
In addition to the arson and weapons charges, Wolfe is facing charges of aggravated battery, burglary and theft. He was also charged with violation of his oath as a public officer.
On the first-degree arson charge alone, Wolfe could be looking at up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine if convicted, according the safety fire commissioner.
He is being held in the Bartow County Jail without bond.
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