Rockingham man charged with setting occupied-home on fireplace

ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Workplace has charged a Rockingham man with deliberately setting somebody’s basement on fireplace whereas the home was occupied.

On Saturday, July 29, 2023, deputies have been dispatched to a residence on Hummingbird Drive. Deputies spoke with members the owners, who knowledgeable them that there was a male of their yard who informed them that he had set the basement ablaze.

The suspect was recognized as Michael Leon Brown, 49, of Rockingham.

On account of the investigation, warrants have been obtained on Brown for 3 counts of first-degree arson. Brown was arrested on Saturday, July 30. He was processed into the Richmond County Jail underneath a $150,000 bond.

In line with the North Carolina Division of Public Security, Brown has prior convictions for larceny and assault courting again to 1997.