Former Restaurant Manager Pleads Guilty to Arson

The former manager at Olive Street Bistro has entered a guilty plea to arson with the intent to defraud.

According to the Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office, 29-year-old Carl Dollar admitted to setting fire to the popular Shreveport restaurant in September 2013. He had been charged with one count of simple arson resulting in damages of more than $500,000, but an additional charge of arson with intent to defraud was added.

"This plea is taken where the defendant admits there is sufficient evidence to convict him if he went to trial, but refuses to admit responsibility," said prosecuting attorney Ed Blewer in a DA's Office news release. "This type of plea is a felony guilty plea that can be used for future multi-bill purposes."

Dollar will be in court next on May 25, when he's expected to be sentenced to 18 months at hard labor, plus a $5,000 fine and $1,700 in restitution. The restitution is reportedly for two companies that had property in the building at the time of the fire.