WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — A 36-year-old Wayne County woman was arrested Wednesday on charges of second-degree arson and insurance fraud in connection with a structure fire that occurred more than two months ago.

Cornettie Graham was taken into custody July 23, 2025, without incident following an extensive investigation into a fire that occurred May 8 on Camp Trailee Road in Dudley, according to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies initially responded to the structure fire on May 8, with detectives and representatives from the Office of Emergency Services launching an investigation at the scene. Due to the complexity of the case, investigators requested assistance from the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal.

Following what officials described as a “thorough investigation,” Graham was charged with second-degree arson and insurance fraud. She is being held under a $20,000 secured bond.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the fire or the specific evidence that led to the charges against Graham.

Second-degree arson in North Carolina is a Class G felony that involves willfully and maliciously setting fire to or burning any building or structure. Insurance fraud charges typically involve deliberately causing damage to property with the intent to collect insurance proceeds.

The investigation involved multiple agencies working together over a period of more than two months before charges were filed.