CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Officials with the Division of Forestry announced today that George David Staton, 43, of Monaville, was arrested Friday, March 14, on four felony counts of arson for allegedly setting a series of fires that resulted in a 150-acre forest fire in the Island Creek area of Logan County.  Staton was arraigned in magistrate court and placed in the Southern Regional Jail in lieu of a $20,000 bond. If he is found guilty, Staton faces a $5,000 fine and confinement of up to five years for each count. Forestry officials estimate the fire destroyed $55,000 worth of timber.   
State Forester Randy Dye said that Staton's arrest was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Logan County Sheriff's Office and the Division of Forestry.  Dye said that Logan County Sheriff's Deputies Burely Ferrell, Freddie Ferrell and Joey Sheppard along with Forestry Investigator/Bloodhound Handler John Bird and his bloodhound, Jesup, were involved in the investigation.   

"I commend all the officers involved in the investigation of the Island Creek arson case for their diligence and hard work," Dye said. "This joint effort clearly shows the level of success that can be achieved when local law enforcement and members of the Division of Forestry work together."

For more information about the Division of Forestry, visit www.wvforestry.com.

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