Jeffrey Allen Wathen

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A Maryland man accused of setting a string of fires in St. Mary’s County didn’t just spark the flames — officials say he practically led investigators right to him.

Deputy State Fire Marshals say Jeffrey Allen Wathen, 41, of Mechanicsville, was charged after a series of intentionally set fires broke out Tuesday, Dec. 9, along the 26400 block of Three Notch Road.

The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department responded around 9 p.m. to reports of multiple fires, including a flower bed, a shed, a deck, and an exterior area behind another nearby property, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal.

Firefighters and occupants were able to knock down the flames quickly, officials said.

Investigators, assisted by K9 Taylor, identified Wathen as a suspect after he approached them at one of the scenes claiming he was a victim of a fire.

While deputies investigated, they encountered Wathen “yelling about a supposed fire in his yard,” the agency said. 

That prompted closer scrutiny.

During the investigation, deputies obtained surveillance footage from a neighboring property that allegedly showed Wathen running from one of the fire scenes just moments after flames became visible, according to the sheriff's office.

With help from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Wathen was arrested and transported to the county detention center. 

He is charged with:

  • First-degree arson;
  • Two counts of second-degree arson;
  • Two counts of first-degree malicious burning.

Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray credited the quick, coordinated response that kept the fires from spreading further.

“Thanks to the quick work of the fire department, our deputies, K9 Taylor, and the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, this suspect was taken into custody before he could set any more fires. Their fast, coordinated response prevented further danger to the community,” he said.

“This case is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and teamwork in keeping Marylanders safe.”