On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, ACSO Investigators followed up on a tip from the community about the Carolina Mill Fire. The vacant mill in the Carolina community, 2058 Carolina Mill Rd., Burlington, N.C., was reported to be on fire at 4:03 a.m., Saturday, November 25, 2023.
During the investigation, three individuals were identified as suspects. Investigators interviewed each of the suspects and determined they were responsible for the fire.
The suspects were identified as James Riley Cockman, Leyton James Lockemy, and William Steven Holland.
Mr. Cockman was arrested on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 11:00 p.m. and remains in jail. Mr. Lockemy as arrested on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 7:05 p.m. and released on bond. Mr. Holland was arrested on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 6:09 a.m. and remains in jail.
Name: James Riley Cockman W/M/21 Gibsonville, N.C.
Charges: 1ct: Felony Breaking and Entering, 1ct: Felony Burning Certain Buildings
Bond: $60,000 secured
Name: Leyton James Lockemy W/M/20 Burlington, N.C.
Charges: 1ct: Felony Breaking and Entering, 1ct: Felony Burning Certain Buildings
Bond: $25,000 secured
Name: William Steven Holland W/M/20 Gibsonville, N.C.
Charges: 1ct: Felony Breaking and Entering, 1ct: Felony Burning Certain Buildings
Bond: $25,000 secured
Each suspect has a 1st appearance in District Court on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
We have determined that the Carolina Mill Fire and the Culp Weaving fire are unrelated.
Sheriff Johnson would like to thank our Media partners for their assistance in seeking help from the public regarding this case.
This case remains under investigation. If anyone has information about this case, call the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office at: 336-570-6300 or: Alamance County Crimestoppers at: 336-229-7100 or: www.p3tips.com
The ACSO would like to thank the Alamance County Fire Marshal’s Office, Faucette Fire Department, the Alamance County Fire Investigation Task Force, the ACSO Electronic Forensic Investigation Team (EFIT), the ATF, the NCSBI, and the NC Office of the State Fire Marshal for assistance with this case.
