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Wolf Creek – After police arrested a man accused of serial arson, he admitted to starting a fire on Valentine’s Day.
Jeramie Lee Golden, 41, was charged with second-degree arson after admitting he “accidentally” burned down an abandoned house on Marrestop Road that belonged to his grandparents. Law enforcement officials had been searching for Golden since June 3, when three properties in the west side of the county and a building across state lines in Georgia were set on fire within a 45-minute period.
Authorities finally located Golden in Fannin County, Ga., on June 8 and arrested him for allegedly assaulting a relative. He was extradited to Cherokee County the following day and charged with arson after the admission.
“He was being interviewed about the latest fires when he said he absolutely did not do those, but accidentally did this one,” Cherokee County sheriff’s Lt. Tiffany Holland said.
Golden reportedly told police he visited his grandparents’ abandoned home on Feb. 14 to build a warm fire and reminisce about them when he accidentally caused a blaze. Officials say surveillance cameras captured him at the scene of the fire.
As of the Cherokee Scout’s press time Tuesday, Golden is not charged in the four fires that happened earlier this month. Authorities say Golden contacted a relative after the fires and admitted being the culprit. He allegedly warned the relative that he was saving their house for last, according to police investigating the case.
Golden is also charged with assault on a female, resulting from an argument with the relative. However, Golden denied touching the woman.