SMITH COUNTY, Miss. ( WJTV ) – A Smith County couple has been arrested after investigators said they installed faulty and used fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens.

Officials with the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) said Daniel and Sherri Finnegan were arrested on Wednesday, August 21 and booked into the Smith County Jail. They face charges of false pretense and violation of the Mississippi Fire Prevention Code in at least 13 counties.

According to investigators, the systems the couple installed did not work and were not tested before being placed into service, putting people at risk in the event of fire. They said Daniel Finnegan was also tagging fire extinguishers without testing them and was repainting and replacing parts on used fire extinguishers and selling them as new.

Officials said Daniel Finnegan and his wife operated their business without registering with the Secretary of State. The business, Finnegan’s Fire Safety Equipment, was based in Pelahatchie.

Investigators said Daniel Finnegan sold many systems to daycares and other businesses. While some of those businesses are known, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is asking others who bought systems from the couple to call 601-359-1061 to report their experience. The SFMO will provide resources to those businesses so they can replace the faulty systems with new ones, using reputable companies.

The SFMO and Smith County deputies served a search warrant at the couple’s home Thursday morning. Based on information found during that search, more than 50 charges are pending in Adams, Covington, Hinds, Jones, Jefferson, Leake, Madison, Newton, Rankin, Warren, Winston, and Yazoo counties, in addition to charges in Smith County.

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