A woman who had been jailed on two counts of arson now faces a third in connection with the fire that destroyed the Denton Sewing Center on Monday, Denton officials say.
The Denton Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office said Tuesday they charged 45-yr-old Jennifer Spillane with arson in two unrelated fires at a motel and drugstore.
The first fire was at the Holiday Lodge motel along the 1000 block of E. University Drive. Fire officials said someone started a fire at the motel on Thursday, May 20 causing an estimated $250,000 in damage.
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The second fire occurred four days later behind the Drug Emporium on the 700 block of W. University Drive. Fire officials said someone set fire to a bail of cardboard which then damaged the building's exterior.
On Wednesday, officials said Spillane has been charged with a third count of arson in connection with the fire at the Denton Sewing Center in the 1500 block of Malone Street.
The fire happened early Monday morning just before the fire behind the Drug Emporium, and caused more than $500,000 in damage. The building and its contents were a total loss, the fire marshal's office said.
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Fire officials said interviews and evidence led them to develop Spillane as a suspect in the fires, though they didn't release any other specific information about the investigation or what led them to her as a suspect.
The investigation into the fires is ongoing and fire officials said additional charges may follow.
Spillane's bail has been set at $25,000 for each of two counts of arson. Bail has not been set for the third charge. It's not clear if she's obtained an attorney.
Anyone with information about the fires, suspect, or investigations is asked to contact Deputy Jacob Cooper with the Denton Fire Marshal's Office at 940-349-8867.
