Altamont Man Arrested on Aggravated Arson Count

An Altamont man has been charged with a Class X felony count of aggravated arson as well as a count of possession of methamphetamine.

59-year-old Charles Beavers was arrested Friday by Altamont City Police. Effingham County State's Attorney Aaron Jones said Beavers is charged with setting fire to a building in Altamont, knowing that people were inside the building at the time.

During a court appearance Tuesday, Judge Marc Kelly ruled that Beavers be detained in jail due to the nature of the crime. Beavers is next due in court on January 31.