Belhaven Man Arrested in Connection to Arson

On February 1, 2026, Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a structure fire near the intersection of NC Highway 99 South and Marslender Road in Belhaven. The structure was uninhabited and completely burned, leaving only a brick foundation and metal roofing material. The fire was deemed suspicious, and Detectives responded to process the scene.

During the investigation, Deputies discovered footprints in the snow near the scene. Additionally, several responding volunteer firefighters reported seeing a white work van, bearing a local business name, traveling down the path leading to the burned structure.

Detectives learned of the location the driver of the van was staying and responded to the residence to make contact with him. The van driver was identified as 47-year-old Jeremy Scott Barfield of Belhaven, NC.

While interviewing Barfield, Detectives located and seized boots which matched the shoeprints found at the scene. As a result of the investigation, Barfield was arrested on February 10th, 2026, and charged with one count of Felony Burning Personal Property.

Barfield was confined to the Beaufort County Detention Center on a $25,000 secured bond.

Sheriff Scott Hammonds would like to thank the volunteer firefighters for their assistance in solving this case. Their vigilance while on scene was crucial to identifying a suspect, leading to an arrest.

Sheriff Hammonds asks anyone with information regarding suspected criminal activity to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 946-7111. You can also submit tips anonymously by contacting Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at (252) 974-6400 or submit your confidential tip by downloading the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office App and selecting Submit A Tip.