Woman Accused in Fort Benning Fire Denied Bond

Firefighter walking in front of the inferno, which had been JAG headquarters at Fort Benning. (Photo: The Bayonet)

A woman accused of setting a fire that burned down the Judge Advocate General's office at Fort Benning has been denied bond.

U.S. Magistrate G. Mallon Faircloth issued the ruling on Friday against Shawana Topekia Pierce, a Fort Benning employee.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Flanagan said Pierce knew she was a suspect in a theft of government property case and that files about her were in the office at the time of the Feb. 6 fire.

The structure was totally destroyed in the blaze.

Defense attorney Mike Reynolds argued that while the accusations against Pierce are serious, they don't make her a flight risk.

Faircloth said he's concerned that Pierce had packed her car before she was arrested, making it appear she was ready to flee. He ordered her held until her next court appearance on Thursday.

Information from: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

(AP)

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