Appearing virtually before Christian Circuit Judge Andrew Self, arson suspect Charles Smalls was arraigned Wednesday afternoon.
Defense attorney Stephanie Mize entered a not guilty plea on Smalls’ behalf, and Judge Self set a pretrial hearing for July 14, set to take place in front of Judge John Atkins.
Smalls is charged with first-degree arson, and is accused of using lighter fluid to intentionally start a fire in a mobile home on Zackary Street in Oak Grove where his wife was sleeping, following an argument the two reportedly had. He allegedly left the residence, leaving his wife behind inside, and she would sustain life-threatening injuries.
Smalls is lodged in the Christian County Jail on a $250,000.