Deputies spot smoke coming from jail. Inmates used their jumpsuits to start a fire
Things got pretty smoky at one Georgia jail after inmates allegedly used their jumpsuits to start a fire.
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The Troup County Sheriff’s Office said that on Wednesday at 6:07 p.m., they were notified of a possible fire in one of the inmate housing units.
Firefighters were called after a large amount of smoke was confirmed. Authorities evacuated the jail.
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Once jail staff went inside, they learned that inmate uniforms were slowly burning on the floor, and the fire was put out.
The investigation revealed that inmates damaged a light fixture to start a fire, which deputies said they used to set the jumpsuits aflame.
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Jason Cofield and Travis Preston Shelnutt have both been charged with arson in the first degree, criminal damage in the first degree, interference with government property, and rioting in a penal institute.
Michael Dennis Cornett and Edward Anthony Facile are both charged with riot in a penal institute.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
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