Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Pair Faces Charges In Two Arson Cases
Indictments are being sought against two local men who law enforcement officials say are responsible for two recent arson incidents and corresponding thefts.
According to Lawrence County Sheriff Jimmy Brown the investigation was undertaken through his department in the wake of a June 19th fire at a Five Points Road property that was deemed to be arson.
During the initial investigation detectives determined that items had been stolen from the property and that the fire had been set to cover up the crime. At that 
point, Brown said, the investigation stalled.
Once the department received additional information, Brown said detectives were able to link the crime to suspects Joshua Michael Cozart and Nicholas Alexander Green.
While conducting the investigation, Brown said 
detectives collected evidence linking both men to a second fire at a residence on Fairview Road in Loretto.
He said that detectives were able to recover a portion of the property that was stolen during the commission of the crimes. The items were returned to the rightful owners.
Cozart, who at that time was free on state probation, was arrested on two charges of aggravated burglary and two counts of arson. He was jailed under a bond of $200,000.
Evidence against Green will be presented to the Lawrence County Grand Jury where investigators will be seeking indictments on two counts of arson, two counts of aggravated burglary, and two counts of theft over $500.
Brown said that additional charges will be sought against Cozart, as well.
Brown thanked the Lawrenceburg Fire Department for their assistance in the investigation. "The best way to combat crime," he said, "is through a collaborative effort, not only with other agencies, but with the general public, as well."
He urges residents to contact the department's Criminal Investigation Division at 931-762-1608 to report information about local crimes.
