By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—A new charge of aggravated animal cruelty has been added to the four arson charges filed against Charity Ferguson of Paris. She is being held in the Henry Co. Jail on $100,000 bond.
As WENK/WTPR reported Saturday, Ferguson, age 26, of 103 Hidden Acres, was charged with arson for a series of structure fires which began in February of 2017.
The new charge involves reportedly leaving the family dog in the fire that was set at 4925 Hwy. 79S on January 30 of this year.
According to a news release from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, she is charged with arson for four house fires: 10450 Hwy. 54, Como, on February 9, 2017; 619 Hwy. 69N on December 22, 2017; the Hwy. 79S fire on January 30; and at 8345 Hwy. 79N, Lot 8, on June 4 of this year.
According to the news release, Ferguson, her boyfriend and her three children were living in rentals at the properties at the time of the fires. The fires were set as the family members were leaving the residences.
The investigation determined that Ferguson left the family dog in the residence when the fire was set. The dog reportedly died in the fire.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the sheriff office’s Criminal Investigation Division and an investigator with the State Bomb and Arson division.
She was arrested along with Brant Freeland, age 26, of the same address. Freeland already has been released on his own recognizance and charges likely will be dismissed against him Tuesday.
Ferguson will appear in court Tuesday.
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