Man sentenced after pleading guilty to 2022 Kroger arson in Columbia, TN

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WKRN) — A little more than two years after being accused of endangering lives and causing significant damage by starting a fire at a Columbia Kroger, a Franklin man has pleaded guilty to arson worsen.

Columbia Fire and Rescue said Jeffrey Lee Mealer intentionally set fire to the building and shopping cart storage area outside the Kroger in the 800 block of Nashville Highway on June 5, 2022. while the night stock crew worked inside. Additionally, he reportedly remained at the scene while police and firefighters responded to the incident.

According to fire officials, after Mealer was identified as a suspect through security camera footage and witness statements, he was arrested and charged with six counts of reckless endangerment, aggravated arson and possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.

“Arson is a serious crime, especially when it puts lives in danger through senseless acts,” said Donnie Knoepfel, Columbia Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief. “Columbia Fire and Rescue is committed to working with state and local authorities to ensure these crimes are investigated, prosecuted and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”

The department announced Friday, June 28, that the 55-year-old man accepted a plea deal in Maury County Circuit Court last week and was sentenced to 15 years in prison without the possibility of parole for aggravated arson.

In addition to the Columbia Fire Department, the case was also reportedly investigated by the Columbia Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

“All of the agencies involved did a phenomenal job working together to achieve a positive outcome in this case,” Knoepfel said in response to Mealer’s sentencing.