A man from Cameron was jailed under a $100,000 secured bond after being arrested on charges of felony second-degree arson and one count of burning an unoccupied building.
Moore County deputies responded with firefighters to a fire at an “uninhabited residence” in the 200 block of Chestnut Street in Cameron around 1 a.m. on Monday that was reported to 911 by a “passerby.”
“As the investigation unfolded, deputies identified and arrested 60-year-old Ernest Junior Belk of Cameron in connection with the fire,” said Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields in a press release. “Witnesses reported seeing Belk near the scene around the time of the fire and later observed him boasting about setting the fire. When approached by law enforcement, Belk admitted to the act.”
Sheriff investigators and fire marshals with Moore County are still investigating the fire.
“Investigators are continuing to work on establishing his motive for setting the fire,” said Fields.
Belk is due in court on Wednesday and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
Photo via Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
