Two Manchester, Georgia, men are facing serious charges after a months-long investigation into a suspected arson case in Talbot County. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has taken Jimmy Buchanan, 70, and Wallace Copland, 62, into custody, charging them with multiple offenses, including arson and conspiracy to commit arson.
Investigation Leads to Arrests
The investigation began on November 6, 2023, when the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire requested the GBI’s help in examining a suspicious house fire in Shilo, Talbot County. Authorities determined that the fire was intentionally set, prompting a deeper probe into the incident.
On January 31, 2025, Buchanan and Copland were arrested without incident. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Manchester Police Department, the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, assisted in executing the arrests. Both men were booked into the Harris County Jail, where they await further legal proceedings.
What Charges Are They Facing?
Both suspects have been charged with two counts of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson. However, officials suggest that additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.
Arson is a serious crime in Georgia, carrying penalties that can range from fines to significant prison time. A conviction for first-degree arson can lead to up to 20 years in prison per count. Meanwhile, conspiracy to commit arson indicates that authorities believe there was a coordinated effort between the two suspects to carry out the crime.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance
Authorities emphasize that this remains an active investigation. More arrests or charges could be on the horizon as officials continue gathering evidence.
- If you have any information related to this case, you are encouraged to contact the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire at 404-656-2070.
- The GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Columbus can also be reached at (706) 565-7888.
- Anonymous tips are accepted via the GBI’s online portal at GBI’s Tip Submission or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be handed over to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution. Prosecutors will then determine how to proceed with the charges and whether additional legal action is necessary.
Buchanan and Copland will likely face court proceedings in the coming weeks, where more details about the alleged crime could emerge. Legal experts note that arson cases often hinge on forensic fire analysis, witness testimonies, and any potential motives investigators uncover.
