Two inmates charged with arson after using tablet battery to start fire inside Cobb County jail

Written by: A. Smith

Published November 17, 2025 @ 8:20 AM ET

COBB COUNTY, Ga. – Two inmates at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center face multiple felony charges after authorities say they started a fire using a battery from a county-issued tablet, endangering an entire dormitory.

Robert James, 18, of Powder Springs, and Jmarkus Amir Heard, 25, of Marietta, were charged following the Oct. 25 incident at the jail, according to arrest warrants from the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire occurred at approximately 1 a.m. in the L3 dormitory, warrants state. The incident destroyed the battery and rendered the tablet useless, placing all inmates and staff in the dormitory at risk, according to the warrants.

Sheriff’s office officials identified James and Heard through video footage from the detention center’s surveillance system.

Both men are charged with criminal trespass damage, criminal interference with government property, third-degree arson, and unlawful acts of violence in a penal institution. All four are felony charges.

James and Heard remain in custody without bond.

James also has a detainer hold from the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, records show.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Sheriff’s office officials did not immediately respond to requests for additional information about the fire or how it was extinguished.