Man convicted in law firm fire sentenced to 10 years in prison

A man convicted of setting fire to a Cape Girardeau law firm last fall was sentenced to 10 years in prison Tuesday for second-degree arson, according to Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle.

Jeffrey V. Mirgeaux, 48, pleaded guilty to the charge in Butler County on a change of venue, admitting he climbed the roof of the Lowes & Drusch firm at night, drilled a hole in the roof, poured gasoline down the hole and used sparks from his drill to ignite a blaze. Mirgeaux said he put the fire out himself after having second thoughts, Swingle said.

About $3,000 worth of damage was done to the building.

Mirgeaux said Sam Drusch represented his wife in various divorce and child custody proceedings.

Family members of Mirgeaux testified at the sentencing hearing Tuesday that his troubles with the law were alcohol-related, and Charles Drury, his former boss at Drury Hotels, called him one of the best employees he had ever had. The Butler County sheriff said that while in his custody, Mirgeaux was helpful to jail staff and as "out of place in jail as a porcupine in a balloon factory."

Butler County Circuit Judge Mark Richardson agreed to place Mirgeaux in the Missouri Department of Corrections long-term alcohol treatment program.

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