CENTRE — District Attorney Mike O’Dell announces that this week, Jeff Thomas “Tommy” Jordan, 65, of Centre, pled guilty to solicitation to commit arson second degree.  Jordan pled guilty after the state presented its case to an empanelled Cherokee County jury, but before the jury received the case for deliberation. 

Evidence in the trial showed that in September 2009, Jordan approached Phillip “Possum” Saint about setting fire to Evans Quick Stop located on the Chestnut Bypass in Centre.  Jordan paid Saint $100 as a down payment to burn the business, with a promise to pay him another $600 after the deed was complete.  Further evidence showed that Jordan gave Saint three containers of farm diesel fuel to use to burn the building. 

Testimony revealed that Saint contacted Sheriff Jeff Shaver after Jordan approached him to set fire to the building. Shaver then contacted City of Centre Fire Chief and Certified Arson Investigator Kevin Ware. With the assistance of the Cherokee County Narcotics Unit and the State Fire Marshall’s Office, Jordan was recorded giving Saint the money and supplying the fuel for the arson. 

The acre on which Evans Quick Stop was located formerly was part of the Jordan farm. Bill Evans, operator of the business, testified that Jordan intentionally interfered with their business, continually threatening and harassing him and his wife. 

Judge Randall L. Cole sentenced Jordan to five years in the state penitentiary.  Jordan must pay a fine of $5,000 and court costs. Jordan is applying to serve his sentence on probation, but the state intends to oppose said application.