A Marshall man who admitted to starting a fire at the Saline County Jail was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

41-year-old Jonnie Jaye Grimes was sentenced Monday, May 18 to 15 years on the charge of first-degree arson and 10 years for first-degree property damage. He’ll serve his sentences concurrently and receive credit for time served thus far.

Grimes admitted in Lafayette County Circuit Court last month to starting a fire in the work pod of the Saline County Jail the morning of Jan. 2, 2024, causing $1.5 million in damage. The fire and smoke resulted in deputies needing to evacuate 54 inmates and 16 officers and staff to other facilities. Deputies assisting in the evacuation say they noticed Grimes carrying an unusual amount of personal belongings with him as he awaited transfer to a neighboring county’s jail. Officers at that jail said they found a lighter on Grimes upon his arrival.

The case was moved to Lafayette County in December on a change of venue request.