In one of the stranger crimes of the New Year, a Covington woman was arrested Monday after soliciting her friend to burn down her ex-boyfriend's home.

Newton County Sheriff's Lt. Bill Watterson said Peggy Joyce Brown, 52, had allegedly plotted to burn her former flames house down with the help of a friend. Fortunately for the ex-boyfriend, the friend reportedly went the NCSO and spilled the beans on the unusual case.

"It was a crazy situation," Watterson said of the case.

After learning of Brown's request, investigators were reportedly able to collect evidence she intended to go through with her plan.

Brown was arrested and charged with arson in the first degree. Watterson said the law does not require a person to actually catch anything on fire to be charged with arson.

"The law says a person who 'advises, encourages or hires' another to commit arson is guilty," Watterson said.

If convicted, Brown will face a fine of up to $50,000 and could spend at least one but not more than 20 years in jail.

Anyone with further information regarding the case is asked to call the Newton County Sheriff's Office at (678) 625-1403. Tips may also be given anonymously at (678) 625-5007 or on their Web site www.newtonsheriffga.org.