Lawyer expects client to cop to lesser charge in arson case

A volunteer firefighter is expected to cop to an arson plea, according to the lawyer who represents him, in the Aug. 18 fire in Cape Girardeau County.

Gordon D. Schafer, 23, of Jackson was in court Wednesday in front of Judge Michael Bullerdieck for a preliminary hearing. But his attorney, Malcolm Montgomery said after that Schafer will likely enter a guilty plea at some point that is a lesser offense than the first-degree felony he has been charged with.

Schafer was arrested and charged with first-degree arson Aug. 18 in the fire at a residence next door to the Fruitland Fire Department. The arrest and charges stem from an investigation by the department and the Missouri Fire Marshal's Office. No one was injured in the fire, but a resident was inside at the time and was awakened by the flames. The fire was reported by two Fruitland-area probationary volunteer firemen, including Schafer.

He posted bond soon after his arrest.