Man arrested for arson threat

A Berkeley Springs man was arrested in Hancock on Wednesday, May 30, for threatening to burn the dwelling and two vehicles of a Hancock woman.

Vernon Goyne, 55, of Raccoon Lane, Berkeley Springs, was taken into custody shortly before 10:30 p.m. at the Hancock Sheetz store parking lot by Chief T.J. Buskirk and Officer Daniel Seaman from the Hancock Police, as well as officers from the Maryland State Police, the Washington County Narcotics Task Force and the State Fire Marshal's office.

The warrant for Goyne's arrest was executed by the fire marshal's office, which announced that additional charges may be filed pending further investigation.

Fire marshals allege that on May 23, Goyne threatened to burn Sheila Wetzel's home and vehicles at the Happy Hills Camp Ground, Hancock. Goyne is also accused of having demanded money in exchange for not burning the property.

Goyne was charged with one count of threat of arson, one count of extortion with a property value of $500 or more, and one count of extortion by verbal threat. Both extortion charges are felonies and carry a total maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. The threat of arson charge is considered a misdemeanor.

At the time of Goyne's arrest, fire marshals also arrested another man on a Baltimore County warrant. Officials report that both men were taken into custody without incident.

Following his arrest, Goyne was held at the Washington County Detention Center until he was released after posting $30,000 bond on May 31.