NewsChannel 15 has learned a Darlington County Grand Jury indicted Claudette Hulsey, 47, several weeks ago.
The exact charges against Hulsey include Arson/ Burning Personal Property to Defraud Insurer, Presenting False Claim for Insurance Payment, Making False Insurance Claim to Obtain Benefits for Fire Loss, and Arson/Third degree.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division says Hulsey set fire to the store for financial gain.
The South Carolina Attorney General's Office is prosecuting this case. We're waiting to learn when Hulsey's trial will be held.
According to the arrest warrant, Hulsey set fire to the store on January 26, 2011. The warrant states Hulsey made conflicting statements during the investigation and that her financial records and medical reports were not consistent with her statements to investigators.
On the charge she filed a false police report, the arrest warrant states Hulsey called 911 from the store and said she'd been robbed and her store set on fire by "two unknown black males."
Hartsville police and the Darlington County Sheriff's Office assisted in the investigation and Hulsey's arrest.
Hulsey's report of the crime led many working in the downtown Hartsville to fear for their safety.
Hartsville police also stepped up patrols in the area and released sketches of possible witnesses to the crime.
The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce offered a reward of more than $20,000 for information leading to an arrest.
