Third Man Charged with Arson in 2005 Georgia Church Fire

February 19, 2009

The Barrow County, Georgia Sheriff’s department has arrested a third man in the 2005 fire that nearly destroyed New Life Deliverance Ministries Church in Winder.

The department said on Tuesday it had arrested 47-year-old Bruce Edward Smith of Monroe on Feb. 12 and charged him with arson. He was released after posting bond.

Deputies arrested 49-year-old Quincy Arnold of Lawrenceville, pastor of the church, on Feb. 11. Arnold’s 24-year-old son Maurice of Dacula was arrested last month. Both are charged with arson and both are free on bond.

District Attorney Brad Smith said no court dates have been set in the case.

The sanctuary was heavily damaged but the exterior was not.
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Information from: Athens Banner-Herald