Posted 7/2/24

A Middle Tennessee man has pleaded guilty to setting fire to a Kroger store two years ago.

Columbia Fire & Rescue says 55-year-old Jeffrey Mealer, of Franklin, accepted a plea deal in Maury County court for the June 2022 incident.

Authorities said he intentionally set fire to the Kroger on Nashville Highway while the night crew was working inside the store.

Security video and witness statements helped identify Mealer as the suspect. He was charged with aggravated arson, six counts of reckless endangerment, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.

Mealer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the fire.