‘Serial arsonist' detained days after sentencing for 2 AC arsons: prosecutors

A New York man was detained Monday in connection with an arson incident that happened last week in Atlantic City, according to the Atlantic City Prosecutor’s Office.

George Jones, 57, who officials described as a “serial arsonist,” was detained days after he was sentenced to 18 months of probation in connection with two arsons that he committed in 2025, prosecutors said.

According to officials, on June 1, 2026, a concerned citizen reported to the Atlantic City Police Department that Jones had set several fires at and within the Korean War Memorial. When officers arrived, they found Jones standing over one fire, and found another fire nearby.

Prosecutors said this is the third arson that has been linked to Jones in Atlantic City in less than a year.

The first arson incident happened in May 2025.

According to prosecutors, on May 17, 2025, police responded to reports of a fire at the Army National Guard Armor. Officials said Jones had approached the armory and placed several items on the door handles of he main entrance and set fire to them.

Authorities said Jones later admitted to setting that fire and other fires on the boardwalk a day before.

Less than a month later, on June 9, 2025, Atlantic City police were dispatched to the boardwalk area outside of Bally’s Hotel and Casino in reference to a fire. According to officials, Jones was seen lightning flags on fire and leaving the fire the spread. Moreover, earlier that day, Jones had been evicted from the casino but did not leave.

“Instead, Jones remained in the area of Bally’s and set the fire,” prosecutors wrote in a news release.

On May 21, 2026, Jones pleaded guilty to the 2025 arsons and was sentenced to probation.

Eighteen days later, on June 8, 2026, he was arrested in connection with the third arson.

His next court date was set for July 16.