§ 58-79-5. Attorney General to make examination; arrests and prosecution. - North Carolina Statutes

§58‑79‑5.  Attorney General to make examination; arrests andprosecution.

It is the duty of the AttorneyGeneral to examine, or cause examination to be made, into the cause,circumstances, and origin of all fires occurring within the State to which hisattention has been called in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 58‑79‑1,or by interested parties, by which property is accidentally or unlawfullyburned, destroyed, or damaged, whenever in his judgment the evidence issufficient, and to specially examine and decide whether the fire was the resultof carelessness or the act of an incendiary. The Attorney General shall, inperson, by deputy or otherwise, fully investigate all circumstances surroundingsuch fire, and, when in his opinion such proceedings are necessary, take orcause to be taken the testimony on oath of all persons supposed to be cognizantof any facts or to have means of knowledge in relation to the matters as towhich an examination is herein required to be made, and shall cause the same tobe reduced in writing. If the Attorney General or any deputy appointed toconduct such investigations, is of the opinion that there is evidence to chargeany person or persons with the crime of arson, or other willful burning, orfraud in connection with the crime of arson or other willful burning, he mayarrest with warrant or cause such person or persons to be arrested, chargedwith such offense, and  prosecuted, and shall furnish to the district attorneyof the district all such evidence, together with the names of witnesses and allother  information obtained by him, including a copy of all pertinent andmaterial testimony taken in the case. (1899, c. 58, s. 2; 1901, c.387, s. 2; 1903, c. 719; Rev., s. 4819; C.S., s. 6075; 1943, c. 170; 1955, c.642, s. 1; 1959, c. 1183; 1973, c. 47, s. 2; 1977, c. 596, s. 2.)