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Four inmates have been charged with allegedly trying to start a fire at the Troup County Jail, according to a press release from the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday, at 6:07 p.m., Detention Officers with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office were alerted to a possible fire in one of the inmate housing units in the jail, according to the press release. A large amount of smoke was confirmed. Evacuation of the inmates in that unit took place, and the Troup County Fire Department was dispatched.

Once jail staff entered the unit, it was determined that inmate uniforms were smoldering on the floor and were extinguished. Upon further investigation by our Criminal Investigation Division, it was determined that inmates damaged a light fixture and configured it in a manner to start a fire, which they used to ignite the jumpsuits.

The following inmates were charged:

• Jason Cofield – Arson in the First Degree, Criminal Damage in the 1^st Degree, Interference with Government Property, and Riot in a Penal Institute.
• Travis Preston Shelnutt – Arson in the First Degree, Criminal Damage in the 1^st Degree, Interference with Government Property, and Riot in a Penal Institute.
• Michael Dennis Cornett – Riot in a Penal Institute
• Edward Anthony Facille – Riot in a Penal Institute

The investigation continues and further charges are possible.