Two Arrested in Columbus Arson and Insurance Fraud Investigation

COLUMBUS, Georgia – Investigators in Columbus have arrested two men following a fire investigation that authorities say led to arson and insurance fraud charges.

According to Columbus Fire & EMS, crews responded March 7, 2026, to a residential fire in the 1400 block of 15th Street in the Weracoba Heights area.

Following an examination of the fire scene and collected evidence, investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and warranted criminal charges.

Authorities said the investigation identified two suspects connected to the case.

On May 23, Columbus Fire & EMS arson investigators, assisted by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit, arrested 32-year-old Emerson Hunter Myers.

Myers is charged with first-degree arson, second-degree criminal damage to property, and insurance fraud.

Court records show Myers has a prior history of DUI-related arrests and was arrested twice earlier this year.

Authorities said Myers was arrested Feb. 5 on charges of financial transaction card theft and two counts of financial transaction card fraud. He later bonded out of jail the same day.

Investigators said Myers was arrested again Feb. 11 following a traffic stop after officers discovered his driver’s license was suspended and he was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine. Those cases remain pending.

On May 26, investigators arrested 51-year-old Kelvin Eric Hall and charged him with insurance fraud.

Authorities said Hall is a convicted felon stemming from a prior conviction in South Carolina.

Investigators have not publicly detailed the motive, but the charges suggest authorities believe the suspects were attempting to obtain money through a homeowners insurance claim connected to the fire.