2 Pine Forest Students Charged with Arson

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Fire Investigators have charged two Pine Forest High School students with setting fire to a pine straw farm and breaking into tractor trailers on the property.

Brandon David Matthews, 17, of 658 Elliott Farm Road and Jeremy Thomas McClung, 16, of 314 Interchange Drive, both of Fayetteville, were taken into custody Monday afternoon, according to Debbie Tanna, Public Information Officer.

Investigators say on Feb. 4, 2013, Matthews and McClung walked on to the property at 8195 McCormick Bridge Road, Fayetteville. While on the property, the suspects attempted to bypass the ignition of a tractor, damaging the engine. Unbeknownst to McClung, his wallet fell out of his pants pocket, leaving behind a drivers permit and military identification card. 

Meanwhile, they also carried away a pine straw bailer valued at $600.  Prior to leaving the area, the suspects set fire to the contents of the trailer, causing the contents and the trailer to be destroyed.

Both Matthews and McClung are charged with first degree trespassing, injury to personal property, breaking and entering of a motor vehicle, felony conspiracy, burning of personal property and possession of stolen goods.

They were each being held in the Cumberland County Detention Center under a $16,000 bond. 

Officials said more arrests were expected.

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