COLUMBIA, S.C. — The man accused of burning homes owned by South Carolina governor Henry McMaster is now facing assault charges.
Frank Wilberding, 21, was in court Thursday afternoon for a bond hearing. At the hearing, it was announced that officers had charged Wilberding with 10 counts of assault and battery first degree. Columbia Police say the charges were brought because he set the fire "with no regard for the life and safety of the victims inside."
Bond was denied for Wilberding on the arson charges and was set at $100,000 on the assault charges.
Two homes on Greene Street near Columbia's Five Points went up in flames around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. About 19 people lived in those homes, which are owned by the governor, but they were all able to evacuate safely with no injuries.
Wilberding was apprehended near the scene and initially charged with two counts of arson second-degree and possession of a controlled substance.
Then Wednesday, Columbia police announced a third second-degree arson charge against Wilberding. This charge stemmed from an intentionally set fire at 1828 Greene Street, also on May 14, according to a report. Flames from this fire didn't spread to any other homes.
Damages to the two originally reported houses were estimated at $450,000. Police did not announce additional costs with the third charge, or if the home was also owned by McMaster.
A motive is still unknown in this case.