Two arrested on suspected arson charges

Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported on Friday the arrest of two suspects in the arson which took place the evening prior, in the file room at the police station.
Lee Butler, 54, of St. Joseph Lane, Franklin, while incarcerated at the Franklin Police Department, was arrested on Feb. 19 at 1:32 a.m. on charges of aggravated arson, seven counts of attempted second degree murder, second degree injuring public records and contraband in penal institution. Butler was booked, processed and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Eric Dennis, 35, of Tiger Lane, Franklin, while incarcerated at the Franklin Police Department, was arrested on Feb. 19 at 2:11 a.m. on charges of seven counts of attempted second degree murder, second degree injuring public records, contraband in penal institution and aggravated arson. Dennis was booked, processed, and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
On Feb. 18 at approximately 6:55 p.m., officers with the FPD discovered a fire in a file room of the police department building, after detecting smoke.
Upon further investigation into the cause of the fire, with the assistance of the Franklin Fire Department, contraband was located in a wall of the jail that is adjacent to a file room.
Investigation efforts led to the arrests of Butler and Dennis in connection to the fire.