Oklahoma Ex-Firefighter Charged with 15 Arson Counts

Prosecutors in Stephens County have charged a former Corum, Okla., assistant fire chief with 15 counts of arson and say more charges are expected.

The third-degree arson charges were filed July 1 against 46-year-old James Edgar Morgan Jr.

District Attorney Bret Burns says Morgan is charged with setting fires since January 2008 but has admitted to starting fires as far back as 2006 and more charges are pending.

Stephens County Sheriff Wayne McKinney says Morgan became a suspect after witnesses said they saw him in and around the area of several fires.

Corum Fire Chief Ron Gaither says Morgan is not longer a member of the department. He declined further comment.

Information from: The Lawton Constitution, www.lawton-constitution.com