The Duncan Banner

Local News

August 21, 2011

Second arrest made in arson investigation

Toni Hopper The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — A second person has been arrested and charged in the fire which destroyed Charles Alan Dyer’s rented home on Aug. 12.

Jonathan  Scott, 37, was arrested by Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Thursday and appeared before District Judge Joe Enos Friday afternoon. He was charged with second degree arson and a bond of $100,000 was set, along with the bond order requiring he obtain a GPS monitor within one business day of his release. 

On the day of the fire, a late afternoon hearing was held in Stephens County District Court to discuss evidence from the fire. The emergency hearing came when Dyer’s attorney, David Hammond, filed a motion to continue Dyer’s trial set for the following Monday. Hammond cited Dyer’s emotional state and the fact he had just lost his home, for requesting the trial be continued one week. Enos denied the motion.

During the hearing though, State Fire Marshal Judah Sheppard took the witness stand to discuss the evidence and ongoing investigation of the fire.

It was then when Sheppard mentioned Scott as a potential suspect, however, Scott had not been arrested.

Later that evening, Monica Freeman was arrested and according to court documents, Scott had implicated her as the one who set the fire.

During Scott’s arraignment Friday, the Stephens County District Attorney’s office also requested a bond revocation for a previous felony of driving under the influence charge. He was out of jail pending a hearing on that. His bond on that charge was increased to $40,000, along with the stipulation he consume no alcohol.

On the second degree arson charge, the state requested Scott remain within Stephens County should he be released on bond. He is scheduled to appear at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 9, for a preliminary hearing on the arson charge. When asked if he had anything to say, Scott replied, “I guess not.”

Freeman remains in the county jail. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and must have an attorney.

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