A Chattooga County, Georgia Grand Jury, has indicted a 37 year-old Chattooga County man for arson in connection with a fire taking place back in August at Cloudland.

On August 3rd, a member of Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King’s Fire Investigations Unit was requested by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office to assist in a fire investigation on River Haven Lane in Menlo.   A suspicious fire occurred at approximately 10:20pm – and completely destroyed the 43-year-old, 1630-square-foot home.

Robert Swearinger was charged in connection with the blaze.

Commissioner King said the fire started in the basement of the structure – while four people, including the suspect, were home.  He went on to say that Swearinger is being charged with:  Arson 1st Degree, Criminal Damage to Property, Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and Family Violence.  King’s Fire Investigation Unit assisted the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office with that investigation.  The case will be sent to trial in Chattooga County Superior Court.

(WZQZ Chattooga County Radio)