Serial arson suspect ordered detained after latest Atlantic City fire
Officers found Jones standing over one fire and discovered another nearby, authorities said.
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A New York man accused of setting multiple fires in Atlantic City was ordered detained Monday following his arrest in connection with an arson at the Korean War Memorial, authorities said.
George Jones, 57, of Halfmoon, New York, was detained after a hearing in Superior Court. The charges stem from a June 1 incident where Atlantic City police were flagged down by a person who reported Jones had set several fires at and within the Korean War Memorial, according to prosecutors.
Officers found Jones standing over one fire and discovered another nearby, authorities said.
Prosecutors said the incident marks the third alleged arson committed by Jones in Atlantic City in less than a year.
On May 17, 2025, police responded to a fire at the Army National Guard Armory, where Jones allegedly placed items on the main entrance door handles and set them ablaze. Authorities said he later admitted to that fire and to setting other fires on the boardwalk the previous day.
Less than a month later, on June 9, 2025, police were called to a fire outside Bally's Hotel and Casino. Prosecutors said Jones was seen lighting flags on fire and leaving the scene as the flames spread. Earlier that day, he had been evicted from the casino but remained in the area.
Jones later pleaded guilty to the 2025 arsons and was sentenced on May 21, 2026, to 18 months of probation. Prosecutors said he allegedly committed the latest arson 11 days later.
