A Georgia mom pressured her stepchild to start out a hearth inside their residence on no less than two separate events in a plot to acquire insurance coverage cash, state officers stated.
Courtney Sellers, 34, of Screven, allegedly coaxed her little one to burn down their Pine Circle residence on July 14, with the Jesup Fire Department referred to as in to place out the blaze, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation stated in a press release Monday.
“Based on the footage and interviews carried out, investigators decided that Ms. Sellers compelled her stepchild to start out a hearth inside the house for insurance coverage cash on two separate events,” Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King stated.
Although it varies relying on protection, the typical insurance coverage payout for hearth and lighting claims was $77,340 in 2022, based on the Insurance Information Institute.
Sellers was arrested on July 18 following a probe from the State Fire Marshal’s Office on the request of the Jesup FD, based on the GBI.
The request was made following a assessment of video and audio footage captured by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office on the day of the July 14 hearth.
Sellers was charged with arson, insurance coverage fraud, aggravated assault and cruelty to kids. She faces a minimal of 9 years in jail.
Sellers is at the moment being held on the Wayne County Jail.
A consultant for Sellers couldn’t be instantly reached for remark.