Preliminary hearing date set in Cape County firefighter arson case

A November preliminary hearing is set in the case of a volunteer firefighter charged with arson in Cape Girardeau County.

Gordon J. Schafer, 23, of Jackson is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. Nov. 7. The hearing was originally scheduled for this week but was continued.

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.

Schafer last month pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Pertinent address:

273 U.S. Highway 61, Jackson, MO