COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Jeffrey Mealer, a 55-year-old resident of Franklin, Middle Tennessee, has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a significant arson incident at a Kroger store located on Nashville Highway in June 2022. This plea follows his acceptance of a negotiated deal in Maury County court.

Security footage and eyewitness testimonies implicated Mealer in deliberately setting fire to the Kroger store while the night crew was present inside, leading to charges including aggravated arson, six counts of reckless endangerment, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Legal and Law Enforcement Responses

Columbia Fire & Rescue, represented by Assistant Chief Donnie Knoepfel, emphasized the severity of arson and its potential to endanger lives needlessly. They expressed commitment to collaborating with local and state agencies to thoroughly investigate such crimes and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

Sentencing and Impact

Jeffrey Mealer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his actions, reflecting the gravity of the charges against him and the consequences of his crime.

Conclusion

Stay informed about critical incidents like this and receive daily updates on Middle Tennessee news by downloading The Local News App to your smartphone today.

Source