Cape Girardeau man pleads guilty to starting fire at law firm

Southeast Missourian

A man accused of setting fire to a Cape Girardeau law firm over the summer pleaded guilty on Thursday in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Jeffrey V. Mirgeaux, 48, of Cape Girardeau pleaded guilty to second-degree arson in charges stemming from a fire July 4 at Lowes and Drusch law firm.

Mirgeaux admitted he scaled the roof of the law firm, bored a hole through the flat surface and poured gasoline down the hole, then used a spark from his drill to ignite the fire.

He said in court Thursday he had been drinking at the time and was bitter at the firm because they represented his ex-wife in a child custody dispute.

The sabotage caused a "flash fire" that burned out quickly and caused about $2,886 worth of damage to the building.

DNA evidence linked Mirgeaux to the scene.

He faces five to 15 years in prison.