Gwinnett Daily Post

BETHLEHEM - A Bethlehem man suspected of setting his mother's home on fire last week faces a charge of arson in the first degree, the Barrow County Sheriff's Office announced Monday.

Charles Scott Mason, 29, is accused of setting fire to his mother's home at 44 Gifton Thomas Road in Bethlehem on Thursday evening, Investigator Matt Guthas said. The interior of the home suffered extensive fire and water damage.

After the fire was started, Mason allegedly went to the Dollar General in Bethlehem, where he was arrested on a shoplifting charge, Guthas said. Mason was in jail Saturday when he was charged with arson.

Mason was living with his mother, Guthas said. Investigators have no information indicating that anyone other than Mason was inside the home when the fire started. The motive for the arson is still under investigation.