Arsonists Bundick and Smith Sit Behind Bars

Tonya S. Bundick

Tonya Bundick, 40 of Parksley, and Charlie Smith, 38 also of Parksley, are in custody at the Accomack County Jail today and have been implicated in the recent arson fires which have plagued the Eastern Shore since the fall.

A grey minivan driven by the couple was pulled over by the Sheriff's Office and Virginia State Police after it was observed dropping off Smith in front of an unoccupied structure on Airport Drive. It was again observed picking him up. The officers converged on the building spotting the fire and quickly stopped the minivan. According to Geller, both were taken into custody without incident.

Charles Smith
aka Applegate

Interrogation revealed that Smith and Bundick were involved in what Geller stated were the large majority of the 76 arson fires that have occurred in Accomack County since November 13, 2012. She stated that law enforcement is comfortable that these two are the main arsonists.

Smith, aka Charlie Applegate, operated Charlie's Auto Body in Tasley. The couple did live together, and there were also children in the residence, but, Geller stated very clearly, the children were not involved in any way. No motive was announced.

Geller was unable to give many of the details stating that while the initial investigation is over, this is merely the beginning of the end, and police and the Commonwealth's Attorney's office will now begin the process of ensuring Smith and Bundick are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Geller stated Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar will be bringing several more charges against Smith and Bundick very soon, but did not offer details.

Geller also did not give any details as to when the police presence on the Eastern Shore will begin to be reduced.


The investigation remains ongoing at this time. Anyone with information about these two individuals relating to the arsons or just the arsons in general is still encouraged to call or text the Accomack County Arson Tip Line at 757-655-1437.

Source:

Note:
Court documents say Charles R Smith has 31 felony charges over his life, including forgery charges in Accomack County. All the offenses happened in January of 1994 and he was arrested on January 28, 1994.

He was convicted in June of 1994 and was given a 3-year sentence, all of it suspended.