Suspect sought in Habersham Co hotel fire

Investigators were, at last report, still trying to track down a man wanted on arson charges in Habersham County: the state Fire Marshal’s Office says 44 year-old Shawn Harkness is believed to have set the fire that damaged a hotel in Cornelia.

“The 32 year-old, 40-room hotel had 11 rooms rented at the time of the fire,” says state Insurance Commissioner King. “After interviewing witnesses, our agent determined Mr. Harkness to be the primary suspect. At this time, Mr. Harkness has not been apprehended, and we are asking for the help of the community and surrounding areas in bringing him to justice.”

There is a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the fire that burned Monday in Cornelia.

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