Second arrest made in arson at C.B. Aycock birthplace
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on April 11, 2008 2:07 PM
A detective said a man doing time in Pender County Correctional Institute had a role in arson at a state landmark in January.
A fire at the birthplace of turn-of-the-century Gov. Charles B. Aycock near Fremont caused $200,000 in damages, authorities have said.
Detectives believe a man with a record of methamphetamine-related convictions is responsible.
James Sean Suggs, 37, is doing time for a Johnston County charge related to precursor chemicals to methamphetamine, Detective Lt. Carl Lancaster said.
Lancaster said interviews and tips connected Suggs to the fire, and his arrest might not be the last in the case.
The Sheriff's Office also reported there might be three people involved in the arson, but expect no more if a third arrest occurs.
The birthplace, one of the state tourist site's main attractions, has been closed since the fire.
Artifacts including a clock and a table are lost to history because of the fire, although site manager Leigh Strickland recently reported another antique table can be salvaged.
According to Wayne County and state corrections records, Suggs was convicted in 2005 of possession of a methamphetamine, serving five months on that crime.
Suggs is currently serving an active sentence in Pender County's regular population, with a custody review date in October, according to state corrections records.
Suggs has also served time for Wayne County charges of possession of stolen goods, driving with a revoked, license and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, records show.