OPELIKA, Ala. — Terrence Johnson, a Democratic candidate for Alabama House District 82, was arrested Tuesday on two counts of second-degree arson linked to fires at two Opelika daycare centers in January, authorities announced.
The Opelika Police Department said the investigation began after a fire Jan. 13 at By His Grace Daycare & Learning Center and a second fire Jan. 19 at Children Palace Learning Center. No injuries were reported in either incident.
A deposition from an Opelika police investigator, cited by the Alabama Reflector, alleges the 51-year-old Tuskegee resident paid two accomplices $6,000 to set the fires. Investigators linked the men through security footage, vehicle records and phone data, the report said.
The two accomplices, arrested earlier, face similar charges, police said. The case drew assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and U.S. Marshals Service.
Johnson is challenging incumbent Rep. Pebblin Warren in the east Alabama district, which includes parts of Lee and Macon counties, local reporting said.
In a statement reported by CNAW2 News, Johnson described the arrest as “a difficult moment” but said he remains committed to his campaign and community. He did not directly address the arson allegations.