By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Nov. 30, 2001
A Mosby's Packing Co. employee was free on bond Thursday after being arrested and charged with arson in an early-morning fire at the meat packing plant.
Christopher M. Maggard, 22, 449 County Road in Quitman, was arrested by Meridian police on second degree arson charges. He was released on $10,000 bond shortly after noon.
J.W. Myers, human resource manager at Mosby's Packing, said that Maggard was hired in late August and worked in the shipping department loading trucks in the main plant.
If convicted of arson, Maggard could face up to 10 years in prison.
A security guard at the plant reported the fire at 12:44 a.m. Thursday.
Vince Vincent, a Meridian Fire Department fire investigator, said that boxes and styrofoam for packing were used to start multiple fires in the company's maintenance shop.
Vincent said the maintenance shop was a total loss and the warehouse area received minor damage.
Both of the damaged areas are in a large metal building behind the plant. A wall separates the maintenance shop from the warehouse.
The meat packing plant was left unharmed and work continued as usual on Thursday.
Myers said the company is trying to estimate the cost of the fire damage. Insurance adjusters are expected today.
Myers said about 40,000 boxes were lost in the fire, along with a delivery truck, truck parts, welders, grinders and other tools.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.