The man charged in connection with a house fire in Oak Grove in 2022 that badly wounded a woman entered a guilty plea to his role in the incident Monday in Christian Circuit Court.
Charles Smalls was originally indicted for first-degree arson and first-degree assault for the house fire on Zachary Street that seriously injure his wife, but he entered a guilty plea Monday to the amended charges of second-degree assault domestic violence and third-degree arson. They come with a recommended sentence of 15 years in prison.
Smalls intentionally started a fire using lighter fluid in a home on Zackary Street in April of last year following an argument with his wife. He would exit the residence, leaving his wife behind inside, and she would sustain serious injuries.
Smalls had been set to go trial in December, but now final sentencing has been set for October.