Arrests make in Jefferson fire, break-in
July 22, 2020
Arrests make in Jefferson fire, break-in
The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office has taken two people into custody in reference to a fire at 313 E. Main St. in Jefferson early this morning, as well as a break-in at the Chesterfield County Library in Jefferson.
A statement from the sheriff’s office said Sandhill Volunteer Fire Department requested the State Law Enforcement Division’s Arson Unit to investigate the fire at the abandoned property, which was a total loss.
It was determined 20-year-old Melvin Lindsay Mullis intentionally set the fire and returned to the residence to observe while firefighters extinguished the blaze. Mullis was taken into custody.
In addition, when employees of the library in Jefferson came to work this morning, they found a broken-out window panel of the door. Jonathan Mark Donahue Jr., 18 years old, was taken into custody.
Mullis has been charged with second-degree arson. Mullis and Dohahue both have been charged with second-degree burglary of 313 E. Main St. in Jefferson and second-degree burglary of the Jefferson library.
Sheriff James Dixon thanks SLED and the Sandhill, Pageland, Ruby-Mt. Croghan and High Point fire departments for their assistance in the investigation of the house fire and the burglary at the library, which resulted in the two cases being solved.
More information will be posted to Breaking News as details become available.