ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 2, 1994                   TAG: 9402020068
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Paul Dellinger
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

INMATE ARSON CASE SENT TO GRAND JURY

Arson charges against seven Wythe County jail prisoners, stemming from a fire set at the jail last month, will go to a grand jury.

Willie Lon Rice II, Thomas Castle, Kenneth Hall, Jerry Robinson, Jody Garlick, Michael Gross and Leonard Gravely are also charged with destruction of public property, taking part in a riot and conspiracy to commit arson.

Seventeen of the 33 inmates in the jail at the time had to be moved temporarily to other jails while repairs were made. Sheriff Wayne Pike's response to the fire was to immediately ban smoking by prisoners and employees at the jail.

No inmates were injured in the fire. Several police officers were treated for minor smoke inhalation. 


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