By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
DOJ crime blotters Dec. 16
US DOJ logo

Arsonist admits setting fire that caused nearly $1 million damage to Savannah’s Code Enforcement Office

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Chatham County man has admitted deliberately setting the May 3, 2020, blaze that extensively burned the city of Savannah’s Code Enforcement Office.

Stephen Charles Setter, 19, of Savannah, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of Arson, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a minimum possible sentence of five years in prison, up to 20 years, along with substantial financial penalties, and up to three years of supervised release after completion of any prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

As described in court documents and testimony, Setter admitted starting the fire at the Code Enforcement Office at 1700 Drayton Street in downtown Savannah shortly after 3 a.m. on May 3, 2020. Setter started the fire that quickly spread into the attic and roof of the building, causing damage estimated at nearly $1 million.

Setter also told investigators that he activated a fire alarm at the Landings marina that same night, requiring the Chatham County Fire Department to respond, and while the station was unoccupied he then stole a fire department radio so he could listen to fire department communications. 

Setter will remain in custody until sentencing at a later date.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Savannah Fire Department Arson Unit, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tania D. Groover.


Armed career criminal sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for illegal firearms possession

SAVANNAH, GA:  A gang member with an extensive criminal history has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegal firearms possession.

Bryan Howard Bignault, a/k/a “Bebo,” 29, of Bloomingdale, Ga., was sentenced to 120 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by an Armed Career Criminal, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his prison term, Bignault will be required to serve five years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

As described in court documents and testimony, Bignault was arrested during a traffic stop Jan. 21, 2020, by Pooler Police officers when they discovered he had an outstanding warrant for probation violation. During a search of Bignault’s pickup, officers found a loaded pistol. Bignault, who has at least three prior felony convictions, is a member of the Ghost Face Gangsters, a violent, white supremacist street gang active in Georgia’s prison system.

The case was investigated by the Pooler Police Department and the ATF, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kirkland.


Sign up for our e-newsletters