Grand jury charges man in Christmas Day fire

The man held for questioning in December following the Christmas Day fire that destroyed three buildings in downtown Russellville was indicted for arson by the March grand jury session.

James Elton Faulkner, Jr., 46, formerly of 416 East Lawrence St. in Russellville, was indicted on the charge of third-degree arson, which Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said was referred to as reckless arson.

According to a press release from the Russellville Fire Department, Faulkner had been living in one of the buildings without the owner’s permission at the time of the fire.

Officials determined the fire that destroyed a warehouse used by D&D Building Supply as well as two other vacant buildings was started by a small fire Faulkner was using to heat food.

“Based on the facts of the case, the grand jury felt there was sufficient evidence to charge Faulkner with reckless arson and have him stand trial for his actions,” Rushing said.

“The fire caused substantial damage, and if convicted, Faulkner could be ordered to pay restitution for the loss of the buildings.”

Rushing said Faulkner had previously pleaded guilty in city court to trespassing for going onto the property and staying without permission, so all that was left for the grand jury to decide was whether or not his actions warranted the arson charge.

Faulkner’s case will be set for arraignment on June 29 and Rushing said the case would be scheduled for the August trial docket.

The joint investigation of this case included the Russellville Fire Department, the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Russellville Police Department.