Two people have been arrested following a month’s long investigation into a fire that leveled old Sharon schoolhouse in south Forsyth in early February of this year.

According to Division Chief Jason Shivers, spokesman for the Forsyth County Fire Department, Nicholas Samuel Blaine a 22-year-old male from Alpharetta and Briana Danielle Shanyfelt a 20-year-old female from Cumming, were arrested Friday and charged with second degree arson.

At the time of the fire Shivers said that engines arrived at 3594 Old Atlanta Road around 3:30 a.m., and found the long-abandoned brick building engulfed in flames.

Shivers said that investigators have discovered that on the night of Feb. 1, 2018, Blaine and Shanyfelt were allegedly “party to trespassing” at the old Sharon schoolhouse and, “set fire to the building, in an effort to create a warming fire.”

He said that the two allegedly abandoned the fire after it grew out of control.  

Shivers said that both Blaine and Shanyfelt have admitted to their involvement. Both were arrested and transported to the Forsyth County Jail.  

Shivers said that in addition to charges of second degree arson, Shanyfelt has been charged with making a false statement to authorities.

Shanyfelt has since been released on a $16,630 bond. Nicholas Samuel Blaine remains in custody with a bond of $16,610.

This case was investigated by the Forsyth County Fire Department.