Two Texas Men Charged with Woods Arson

On Thursday, February 19, 2009, investigators with the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested two Texas men on charges that they intentionally set fires on State property located in Northport. Eight fires were set on Wednesday and subsequent investigation led to the arrests of Justin Lynn Dennis (20) and Anthony Bruce Combs, Jr. (18) both of whom currently reside in Northport. Both men were charged with one felony count of woods arson and booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail. According to the AFC’s Law Enforcement Chief Craig Hill, these arrests are part of the Forestry Commission’s ongoing effort to combat forestry-related crimes in Alabama. “We are committed to conducting vigorous investigations and prosecutions of all crimes against Alabama’s forests and forest landowners: not only woods arson, but also timber theft, theft of timber harvesting equipment, and illegal dumping,” Hill said. “We want the public to be aware that law enforcement is a vital part of our mission to protect Alabama’s tremendous forest resource and the citizens of the state. Individuals who violate the laws designed to protect our forests will be arrested and prosecuted.”

The Alabama Forestry Commission provides an arson/forest crimes hotline so that citizens can call and report:

• Suspicious activity in areas where wildfires have occurred

• Theft of timber

• Theft or vandalism of timber harvesting equipment

The toll-free number is 1-800-222-2927. Information provided is confidential and you will remain anonymous.