The legislative assistant to North Carolina Republican State Senator Norman Sanderson has been arrested in a shocking case of arson. Diane Cook, 38, is accused of “willfully” and “maliciously” setting fire to a house in Raleigh while two people were inside, according to Fox8 Raleigh.
Cook was booked into the Wake County Detention Center on a first-degree arson charge. “It is unclear how, if at all, Cook is connected to the people who live there,” Fox8 reported.
The arrest adds to the scrutiny surrounding Senator Sanderson’s office. Sanderson, a former sheriff’s deputy, was himself arrested earlier this year. On October 18, a traffic stop revealed he had a blood alcohol concentration of .16 — double the legal limit. He was charged with DWI and two misdemeanors for an open container of alcohol and failing to obey a traffic order.
The senator publicly acknowledged his actions, saying he made “a regrettable mistake” and took responsibility for it.
Cook is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. Authorities have yet to clarify the motive behind the alleged arson, leaving questions about any connection to Sanderson’s office.
