Authorities have arrested a man and exonerated a previous arrestee in connection with a fire that destroyed a quarter-block of Lebanon's downtown in August.
A grand jury charged John Middleton, 28, with setting a fire in the Bar-None dance hall. The blaze destroyed three businesses and led to smoke and water damage at a nearby restaurant.
The grand jury also charged Delisa Draper with giving police false information that implicated her boyfriend, John D. Dixon, in the fire.
Police had arrested Dixon last year in connection with the fire and he spent two months in jail, but charges against him were dropped in October, shortly before the grand jury convened.
Middleton has been arrested and has admitted to setting the fire, authorities said.
"We now anticipate in the very near future that the guilty plea will be scheduled in the case and things will once and for all be wrapped up," Boone County Prosecutor Todd Meyer told reporters Thursday.
Authorities said they believe Middleton had burglarized the building at least twice before the fire.
Information on why authorities believe Draper gave police false information wasn't available. She could face a year behind bars if she is convicted.
Previous Stories:
- August 24, 2005: Man Charged In Fire That Destroyed Historic Part Of City
- August 22, 2005: Arson Suspected In Fire That Destroyed Historic Part Of City
- August 22, 2005: 5 Injured In Apartment Fire
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