FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2008
MULTIPLE CHARGES ISSUED AGAINST GALLIVANTS FERRY MAN
(Columbia, SC) A Gallivants Ferry man has been arrested and charged by the South Carolina Forestry Commission with repeatedly starting woods fires. Law enforcement agents with the Commission report David Ritch, 45, started fires on at least four occasions along Ridge Road in the Aynor area of Horry County. These crimes occurred in April and November of 2007.
Woods arson is a felony. The South Carolina Forestry Commission is dedicated to wildfire suppression. This state’s on-going drought has primed it for an active wildfire season. Recent fires have been abnormally frequent and aggressive for the time of year. Woods arson crimes will be prosecuted in South Carolina.
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For more information, contact Scott Hawkins, 803-896-8820
Legal Reference:
SC Code 16-11-170, Willful and malicious burning
16-11-0610, Trespassing
THIS RELEASE REPORTS AN ARREST. SUBJECTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNLESS PROVEN OTHERWISE IN A COURT OF LAW.
