Ten volunteer firefighters have been arrested and charged in connection with several arsons in Robeson County, Sheriff Ken Sealey announced Tuesday.
The firefighters are accused of intentionally setting fire to abandoned homes and wooded areas in the community. They worked with the Fairmont and Orrum fire departments.
The arrests follow a nearly 18-month investigation, Sealey said.
A Maxton police officer and North Carolina Department of Corrections officer also faces charges following the investigation.
"The firefighters were involved in a conspiracy over a two-year time period to set numerous with woods and abandoned structure fires," Sealey said.
Robeson County Sheriff's Office, State Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the North Carolina Forestry Service assisted in the investigation, Sealey said.
"There are approximately 90 arson-related charges in the investigation with more charges and individuals expected," Sealey announced.
Sealey told CBS 17 that today is "a sad day."