Woman accused of burning property, abandoning dog in George County

55-year-old Maria Lewis is facing arson and animal cruelty charges following incidents on August 14 in George County (GCSO)

GEORGE COUNTY, Miss. — A Mobile woman faces felony charges after George County authorities say she damaged and burned thousands of dollars’ worth of a homeowner’s property while being evicted from a residence, then abandoned her dog in the woods.

The George County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the Basin community on August 14 following a report of a woman allegedly damaging and burning property belonging to a homeowner.

Deputies identified the woman as 55-year-old Maria Lewis.

Investigators determined Lewis had been staying at the residence and was in the process of being evicted by the homeowner. During the incident, authorities allege Lewis damaged several thousand dollars’ worth of property and set fire to other items belonging to the homeowner.

According to the sheriff’s office, Lewis also placed her small dog inside a carrier and left the animal in nearby woods without food or water.

A neighbor discovered the dog the following day.

Lewis was arrested and initially charged with felony malicious mischief and third-degree felony arson, as well as misdemeanor simple cruelty to animals.

Lewis appeared before George County Justice Court Judge Mike Bullock, who set bond at $20,000 on the malicious mischief charge and $25,000 on the third-degree arson charge.