Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 20 Years for 2023 Commercial Arson and Insurance Fraud in Thomaston, GA

Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 20 Years for 2023 Commercial Arson and Insurance Fraud in Thomaston, GA
Nexus Christian

Nexus Christian, 50, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced on January 7, 2025, in connection with a July 4, 2023, commercial structure fire in Thomaston, Georgia. The fire, which occurred at a property on South Church Street in downtown Thomaston, caused extensive damage, resulting in the complete loss of the structure.

The incident began around 2:54 AM on the morning of the fire when local surveillance footage captured a vehicle pulling into the parking lot of the building. The vehicle remained for only two minutes before speeding away, just as the fire began to spread rapidly throughout the property.

The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from local authorities, launched an investigation to identify the suspect. Using the surveillance footage, investigators were able to trace both the vehicle and driver involved. This led to a multi-state search that spanned across Texas and Oklahoma.

Christian, who had fled Georgia following the fire, was ultimately located and arrested by the Pittsburgh County Sheriff’s Office in Oklahoma. He was taken into custody with the help of several law enforcement agencies, including the Upson County Sheriff’s Office, Thomaston Police and Fire Departments, the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Collin County Fire Investigation Unit, and the U.S. Secret Service.

After being apprehended, Christian was extradited to Georgia. During his trial, Christian pled guilty to two counts of Arson in the First Degree, one count of Arson in the Second Degree, and one count of Insurance Fraud.

A Upson County Superior Court judge sentenced Christian to a total of 20 years for his crimes. The sentence includes three years in prison, with the remainder to be served on probation. Additionally, Christian was fined $5,000 and was issued a restraining order barring him from entering the Griffin Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Upson, Fayette, Pike, and Spalding Counties.

The investigation and eventual conviction were the result of a coordinated effort by local and state agencies working together to bring Christian to justice.

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