DEMOREST, Ga. – A woman in Habersham County has been charged with arson and insurance fraud for allegedly setting her home on fire to collect insurance money.
Rebecca Lynn Abernathy, 49, allegedly set fire to her home on Cannon Bridge Road in Demorest on Jan. 21 around 12:30 a.m. Authorities later filed an insurance claim with State Farm to receive up to $240,000 for the loss, according to Ralph Hughes, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner for the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“Arson is a crime and puts our residents and first responders at tremendous risk,” Hudgens said. “I urge all residents to report any information regarding arson so we can hold individuals accountable for their actions.”
Abernathy is facing one count of first-degree arson and one count of insurance fraud.
If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison and could be ordered to pay restitution and up to $50,000 in fines.
