Statesville Vandalism Investigation Leads to Arson, Ethnic Intimidation Charges

Two juveniles were identified as suspects after the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office began investigating racial slurs found spray-painted on a church vehicle and other property in Statesville, N.C., on July 30. The juveniles were subsequently charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses, including ethnic intimidation and injury to real property. During the investigation, detectives linked […]

Two juveniles were identified as suspects after the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office began investigating racial slurs found spray-painted on a church vehicle and other property in Statesville, N.C., on July 30. The juveniles were subsequently charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses, including ethnic intimidation and injury to real property.
During the investigation, detectives linked the juveniles to a separate incident involving a nearby house under construction, where authorities said a break-in, theft and fire had occurred. Investigators allege Amber Lee Christley, 48, of Statesville, instructed the juveniles on how to start the fire and supplied them with a lighter.
Authorities arrested Christley on Aug. 19 on charges of felony conspiracy, felony burning of a building or structure under construction and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. She received a $10,000 secured bond. The juveniles, whose cases are being handled through the Department of Juvenile Justice, also face charges related to the fire, break-in and theft