A Jefferson City man was placed on two years unsupervised probation for pleading guilty to an amended charge in the case of a fire in January 2020 at The Salvation Army Thrift Store.
During a hearing before Cole County Judge Cotton Walker, William Musgrove, 27, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless burning. He had been charged with attempted first-degree arson, but prosecutors amended it down. Musgrove also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
As part of his probation, Musgrove may not be present at the thrift store.
In March, Guinn Burke, 54, of Jefferson City, also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless burning (amended down from attempted arson) in this case during a hearing before Cole County Presiding Judge Jon Beetem. She also was placed on two years unsupervised probation and may not be present at the thrift store.
The fire was reported in the basement, and Musgrove and Burke were seen walking north on Michigan Street after the fire was spotted, according to Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statements. The fire was quickly extinguished by Jefferson City Fire Department personnel.
Officers located Burke and Musgrove in the 1100 block of Missouri Boulevard, and they admitted to being at the store. Burke said she had used the fire to warm her hands and claimed Musgrove had started the fire. Musgrove claimed Burke had started the fire.
Officers searched Musgrove and found a black bag containing clear plastic bags and a scale. Musgrove later said he used methamphetamine and used the scale to weigh marijuana.