DNA evidence recovered at the scene of a September 14, 2010 burglary and arson in Pompano Beach has linked a Broward man to the crime.

The evidence revealed James Mathis, 56, was the suspect involved in the burglary and arson that caused thousands of dollars in damage at the Palm Aire Country Club Clubhouse. At 4:12 a.m. that Tuesday, Pompano Beach Fire Rescue and Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 2601 N. Palm Aire Dr. after a 911 caller reported flames were shooting out of the clubhouse. Firefighters doused the flames and realized the fire was an attempt to cover up a crime. The suspect ransacked the business, stealing liquor and money before trying to cover his tracks by setting the place ablaze.

Once identified through DNA, detectives located Mathis at the BSO Main Jail where he’s been since an unrelated arrest by the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department on September 29. BSO detectives have now added charges of burglary and arson to Mathis’ growing list of offenses.

Two days later after the Palm Aire Country Club fire there was another burglary and arson at 2601 W. Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach. At the time it was unclear if both incidents were perpetrated by the same suspect, but investigators say they don’t believe Mathis was involved in that incident.