Accused Serial Arsonist Detained After Another Atlantic City Fire
Atlantic City, N.J. — A man from New York who is described as a serial arsonist will remain in custody following allegations that he set another fire while out on probation.
On Monday, 57-year-old George Jones of Halfmoon, NY, was detained following a hearing in Atlantic County. His detention stems from an arson incident in Atlantic City earlier this month.
Citizen Reports Fires at Korean War Memorial
According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, on June 1st, officers with the Atlantic City Police Department were flagged down by a concerned citizen who reported that Jones had allegedly set several fires at and within the Korean War Memorial. Officials said officers found him standing over one fire and located another fire in close proximity.
Prosecutors Cite Third Alleged Arson in Less Than a Year
Authorities say this is the third arson that Jones has been accused of committing in Atlantic City in less than a year.
On May 17th, 2025, Atlantic City police responded to the Army National Guard Armory for a fire. Jones had approached the armory and placed several items on the door handles of the main entrance and set fire to them. He later admitted to setting the fire and to setting other fires on the boardwalk the day prior.
On June 9th, 2025, Atlantic City police were dispatched to the boardwalk area outside of Bally's in reference to a fire. There, Jones was observed lighting flags on fire and leaving the fire to spread. Earlier that day, Jones had been evicted from the casino but did not leave as instructed. Instead, Jones remained in the area of Bally’s and set the fire.
Jones pleaded guilty to the 2025 arsons and was sentenced on May 21st to 18 months of probation. Eleven days later, prosecutors say Jones allegedly committed a third arson.
Jones is scheduled to appear for a pre-indictment conference on July 16th.
The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
A walk around the closed Atlantic Club Casino in Atlantic City
Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman
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Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com
