Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Minnesota
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 14, 2022

Rochester Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Arson of Minneapolis Pawn Shop that Resulted in the Death of a Man

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Rochester man was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for the arson of a Minneapolis pawn shop that resulted in the death of a man. Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright sentenced the defendant.

According to court documents, on May 28, 2020, Montez Terriel Lee, 26, along with others, broke into the Max It Pawn Shop on East Lake Street in Minneapolis. Surveillance video footage showed Lee pouring a fire accelerant around the pawn shop and lighting the accelerant on fire. The fire destroyed the building. A second video showed Lee standing in front of the burning pawn shop and Lee could be heard saying, “[expletive] this place. We’re gonna burn this [expletive] down.”

According to court documents, on July 20, 2020, authorities located the body of a 30 year old man, O.S., in the rubble of the burned Max It Pawn building. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed O.S.’s death to “probable inhalation of products of combustion and thermal injury (building fire).”

This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Rochester Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.

Read more:
MNRIOTS ARREST: Montez Terrill Lee Arson of Pawn Shop

Views: 20

Brooklyn Park Man Sentenced to Prison for Arson in St. Paul’s Midway Area

MINNEAPOLIS – A Brooklyn Park man was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release and $33,826.64 in restitution for his role in the arson of the Great Health and Nutrition store in St. Paul. Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel sentenced the defendant.

According to court documents, on May 28, 2020, Samuel Elliott Frey, 20, and co-defendant McKenzy Ann DeGidio Dunn, 21, joined other individuals who had gathered near the Great Health and Nutrition store located at 1360 University Avenue West, in St. Paul. Frey and others arrived together to the Midway area near University Avenue and walked through multiple businesses before they arrived inside the Great Health and Nutrition retail store. While inside the store, Frey poured a bottle of hand sanitizer onto a shelving unit located on the floor. Frey then lit paper on fire and placed the flaming paper where he had poured the hand sanitizer. Frey poured on more hand sanitizer to accelerate the fire. The Great Health and Nutrition store sustained fire damage because of Frey’s conduct.

Dunn pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson and, on May 10, 2021, was sentenced to three years of probation and $31,578 in restitution. On July 20, 2021, Frey pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the St. Paul Police Department, the St. Paul Fire Department, Brooklyn Park Police Department, the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division, and the FBI.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Ebert and Joseph Teirab.

Read more:
MNRIOTS ARRESTED: Frey and Baldus Conspiracy to Commit Arson

Views: 6

St. Paul Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison for Arson and Riot During August 2020 Riots in Downtown Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for burning, looting, and damaging stores and businesses in downtown Minneapolis on August 26, 2020. Acting U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced the defendant.

According to the evidence presented at trial, on the evening of August 26, 2020, Victor Devon Edwards, 32, drove to downtown Minneapolis following a city-wide curfew to join a large crowd that had gathered following false rumors regarding police involvement in the death of a man on Nicollet Mall earlier that evening. Over the course of approximately three hours, Edwards engaged in acts of riot, arson, and other property damage and destruction in downtown Minneapolis. Edwards was captured on video surveillance participating in the rioting and looting at Saks Off Fifth and entering other closed stores and businesses that evening, including Caribou Coffee, Target Headquarters, and Brit’s Pub on Nicollet Mall. Edwards was captured on video surveillance helping to break into the Target Headquarters building and adding fuel to a fire set inside the building, which ultimately caused almost a million dollars in damages to Target. Edwards was then captured on video surveillance entering the nearby Brit’s Pub, which, shortly after he went in, became engulfed in flames.

During and after his criminal activity downtown that evening, Edwards bragged about his participation in the rioting and looting. Edwards also took orders from friends for items to loot. The next morning, Edwards took a video of himself flashing a large amount of cash and saying, “On the looting side. . .” He also admitted that he got “MK purses and money” in text messages with his friends.

On August 12, 2021, Edwards was convicted by a federal jury of one count of riot and one count of arson.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Minneapolis Fire Department, and the Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Richfield Police Departments.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan H. Nelson and Chelsea A. Walcker.

Edwards crime buddies plead guilty in January 2021. SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release; and LEROY LEMONTE PERRY WILLIAMS, sentence is unknown.

Department of Justice

Views: 16

Minneapolis Man Sentenced To Prison For Arson Of St. Paul Car Rental Agency

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man was sentenced today to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for arson at a St. Paul car rental agency.

According to court documents, on May 28, 2020, an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building located in St. Paul, Minnesota, was completely destroyed due to arson. Surveillance video footage from cameras located inside and outside of the business showed Matthew Scott White, 31, entering the building and starting a fire in the back office. White fueled the fire by throwing papers and other flammable items onto the flames. As White exited the building, he told bystanders that the building was “going up” meaning, it was going to burn.

Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright sentenced the defendant.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott.

UPDATE: MNRIOTS ARREST: Matthew Scott White charged with Arson

Views: 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Monday, June 7, 2021
Staples Man Sentenced To Prison, $12 Million In Restitution For Minneapolis Police Third Precinct Arson

MINNEAPOLIS – A Staples man was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for his role in the arsons at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building.

According to court documents, on the night of May 28, 2020, Bryce Michael Williams, 27, went to the Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct building was torn down. Williams, along with other co-conspirators, breached the fence and entered the Third Precinct building. Surveillance video footage from the Third Precinct showed Williams standing near the entrance of the Third Precinct holding a Molotov cocktail while a co-conspirator (later identified as Davon De-Andre Turner) lit the wick. The Molotov cocktail was taken into the Third Precinct by Turner and was used to start a fire. Williams later threw a box on an existing fire located just outside the Third Precinct entrance.

“All four defendants charged in federal court have now been sentenced for their individual roles in the burning and near total destruction of the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk. “Mr. Williams and his co-defendants have been held accountable for their dangerous and destructive actions. I thank our federal, state, and local partners who pursued justice in these cases.”

On November 19, 2020, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson. As part of his sentencing, Williams was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $12 million in restitution.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.

Indictment Bryce Williams

Views: 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Richfield Man Sentenced To Prison For Arson Of Target Corporation Headquarters

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Richfield man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for conspiring to commit arson of the Target Corporation’s headquarters building.

According to court documents, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Minneapolis experienced arson, rioting, and looting in response to false rumors regarding police involvement in the death of a murder suspect. After law enforcement released video footage demonstrating that the rumor was clearly false, Shador Tommie Cortez Jackson, 24, gathered with other rioters downtown. Jackson joined a crowd outside Target Corporation’s corporate headquarters building located at 1000 Nicollet Mall (“Target Headquarters”). Jackson used a construction sign to break through the glass doors into the building. After breaching the doors and entering the building, Jackson intentionally set a fire on a counter inside the mailroom. Jackson also attempted to light a second fire in the mailroom on top of cardboard boxes using a lighter and a bottle of ignitable liquid.

Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced the defendant.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Fire Department, and the Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Richfield Police Departments.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea A. Walcker, Alexander D. Chiquoine, and Joseph S. Teirab prosecuted the case.

ARRESTED:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 11, 2020
Richfield Man Charged With Arson Of Target Headquarters

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a criminal complaint charging SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24, with arson. JACKSON was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. JACKSON was detained pending a formal detention and preliminary hearing scheduled for September 16, 2020, at 10:30 am before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright.

According to the criminal complaint and documents filed with the court, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Minneapolis experienced arson, rioting, and looting, following the suicide of a suspect in a homicide, and in response to false rumors surrounding the man’s death. At approximately 10:55 p.m., Target surveillance video showed a man, later identified as JACKSON by law enforcement, use a “Sidewalk Closed” construction sign to break through one of the glass doors into the Target Headquarters building, located at 1000 Nicollet Mall. Target surveillance video, taken from inside the store, then showed JACKSON igniting a fire on a desktop inside the mailroom. JACKSON poured liquid from a bottle prior to or immediately after starting the fire. Surveillance video then showed JACKSON run out of the building. Later that night, JACKSON was stopped by the Richfield Police and found in possession of stolen items of merchandise.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Fire Department, and the Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Richfield Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Docherty and Chelsea Walcker.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24,

Richfield, Minn.

Charges:

Arson, 1 count

Complaint and affidavit

Views: 8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Monticello Man Sentenced To Prison For Arson Of Minneapolis Bank

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Monticello man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit arson at a Minneapolis bank.

According to court documents, Alexander Steven Heil, 22, admitted that on May 28, 2020, he and other individuals intentionally aided in the arson of the Wells Fargo Bank building located in south Minneapolis. Heil added fuel to an existing fire by throwing items into the flames with the intent to accelerate the burning of the building.

Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk for the District of Minnesota made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud sentenced the defendant.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter prosecuted the case.

Alexander Steven Heil conspiracy to commit arson

Views: 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, May 5, 2021

St. Paul Man Sentenced To Prison, $12 Million In Restitution For Minneapolis Police Third Precinct Arson

MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for his role in the arsons at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building.

According to court documents, on the night of May 28, 2020, Branden Michael Wolfe, 23, went to the Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct was torn down. Wolfe pushed a barrel into a fire located in the entrance of the Third Precinct headquarters, which had been set by other unidentified co-conspirators, with the intent to accelerate the existing fire. Wolfe also entered the Third Precinct building and stole several items, including a police vest, duty belt, handcuffs, earpiece, baton, knife, riot helmet, pistol magazine, police radio, police overdose kit, uniform name plates, and ammunition. Wolfe was arrested on June 3, 2020, wearing the police vest, the duty belt and carrying the tactical baton.

“Mr. Wolfe furthered the destruction that took place in Minneapolis last summer by literally adding fuel to the fire. In addition to the arson, Mr. Wolfe stole body armor, weapons, and ammunition belonging to the Minneapolis Police Department,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk. “This sentence underscores the seriousness of Mr. Wolfe’s actions and holds him to account.”

“ATF is committed to investigating the civil unrest arsons of 2020 that occurred throughout the Twin Cities,” said Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Arson, being inherently violent, is a serious crime that puts our community members and first responders at risk, and it cannot be tolerated.”

“The FBI’s mission is to uphold the Constitution, which includes freedom of speech and the right to assemble,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “Branden Wolfe crossed the line and engaged in criminal activity during the evening the Third Precinct building was burned down last May. People who choose to engage in violent activity during protests may believe they are anonymous, but they are mistaken and will be held accountable for their crimes.”

On December 21, 2020, Wolfe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson. As part of his sentencing, Wolfe was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $12 million in restitution.

Co-conspirators Bryce Michael Williams, 27, and Davon De-Andre Turner, 25, have all pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit arson for their roles in the arson at the Third Precinct building. They will be sentenced at a later date.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.

Read the indictment

Views: 13

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Brainerd Man Sentenced To Prison, $12 Million In Restitution For Minneapolis Police Third Precinct Arson

MINNEAPOLIS – A Brainerd man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for his role in the arsons at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct building.

According to court documents, on the night of May 28, 2020, Dylan Shakespeare Robinson, 23, went to the Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct was torn down. Robinson, along with other co-conspirators, breached the fence and entered the building. Robinson, assisted by an unidentified co-conspirator, lit an object held by the unidentified co-conspirator who threw it toward the Third Precinct building with the intent that it would start a fire or fuel an existing fire.

“On the night of May 28, 2020, Mr. Robinson chose to depart from lawful protest and instead engaged in violence and destruction. The arson at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct put lives at risk and contributed to widespread lawlessness in Minneapolis,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk. “With today’s sentence, Mr. Robinson is held accountable for his actions.”

“ATF is committed to investigating the civil unrest arsons of 2020 that occurred throughout the Twin Cities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeff Reed, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Arson, being inherently violent, is a serious crime that put many of our community members at risk, and it cannot be tolerated.”

“The danger posed by the defendant in this case was very real,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message—regardless of motivation, when someone is intent on conducting a violent act that breaks federal law, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will move assertively to hold them accountable. This type of behavior puts public servants and our entire community in danger, and we simply will not let it go unaddressed.”

On December 15, 2020, Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit arson. As part of his sentencing today, Robinson was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay $12 million in restitution.

Co-conspirators Bryce Michael Williams, 27, Davon De-Andre Turner, 25, and Branden Michael Wolfe, 23, have all pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit arson for their roles in the arson at the Third Precinct building. They will be sentenced at a later date.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.

DOJ

DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22

Brainerd, Minn.

Charges:

Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

Read the indictment

Views: 19

Three Men Charged With Conspiracy To Commit Arson Of Target Corporation Headquarters

Views: 0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Four Indicted In Minneapolis Police Third Precinct Arson

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22, DAVON DE-ANDRE TURNER, 24, BYRCE MICHAEL WILLIAMS, 26, and BRANDEN MICHAEL WOLFE, 23, with one count each of conspiracy to commit arson at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct. ROBINSON and WOLFE, were previously charged via federal criminal complaint with aiding and abetting arson. WILLIAMS was previously charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit arson. Formal detention and arraignment hearings will be scheduled at a later date.

According to the allegations in the indictment, on May 28, 2020, ROBINSON, TURNER, WILLIAMS, and WOLFE each went to the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct where a crowd of hundreds had gathered. At one point, the crowd began shouting, “Burn it down, burn it down.” Soon after, a fence that was designed to keep trespassers out of the Third Precinct building was torn down. ROBINSON, TURNER, WILLIAMS, and WOLFE, along with unidentified other co-conspirators, breached the fence and entered the Third Precinct building.

According to the allegations in the indictment, ROBINSON, assisted by an unidentified co-conspirator, lit an incendiary device held by the unidentified co-conspirator who threw it toward the Third Precinct building with the intent that it would start a fire or fuel an existing fire. WILLIAMS and TURNER, assisted by an unidentified co-conspirator, lit a Molotov cocktail, which was taken into the Third Precinct building by TURNER and used to start a fire. WOLFE pushed a barrel into a fire at the entrance of the Third Precinct building to accelerate an existing fire.

The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to the Third Precinct fire or other business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22

Brainerd, Minn.

Charges:

Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

DAVON DE-ANDRE TURNER, 24

[NO PHOTO WILL ADD]

St. Paul, Minn.

Charges:

Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

BRYCE MICHAEL WILLIAMS, 26

Staples, Minn.

Charges:

Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

BRANDEN MICHAEL WOLFE, 23

St. Paul, Minn.

Charges:

Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

Views: 16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 21, 2020
Monticello Man Charged With Arson Of Minneapolis Bank

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced felony information charging ALEXANDER STEVEN HEIL, 24, with one count of conspiracy to commit arson. HEIL will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court at a later date.

According to allegations in the information, on May 28, 2020, HEIL joined and engaged with other individuals in conduct designed to accelerate a fire in the Wells Fargo Bank building located in south Minneapolis.

The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter is prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the information are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

ALEXANDER STEVEN HEIL, 24

Monticello, Minn.

Charges:

Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

Views: 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 21, 2020
Wayzata Man Charged With Arson Of Minneapolis Bank

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced felony information charging MARC BELL GONZALES, 29, with one count of conspiracy to commit arson. GONZALES will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court at a later date.

According to allegations in the information, on May 28, 2020, GONZALES joined and engaged with other individuals in conduct designed to accelerate a fire in the Wells Fargo Bank building located in south Minneapolis. Specifically, GONZALES poured gasoline onto the bank property for the purpose of accelerating the fire.

The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter is prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the information are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

MARC BELL GONZALES, 29

Wayzata, Minn.

Charges:

Conspiracy to commit arson, 1 count

Views: 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 25, 2020

Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty To Arson Of St. Paul Car Rental Agency

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of MATTHEW SCOTT WHITE, 32, to one count of arson. WHITE, who was arrested and charged on June, 29, 2020, entered his guilty plea today before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea, on May 28, 2020, WHITE entered an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building located in St. Paul, Minnesota. While inside the building, WHITE and a juvenile accomplice maliciously started a fire inside a back office. WHITE fueled the fire by throwing papers and other flammable items onto the flames. On June 3, 2020, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the scene and determined that the fire was caused by arson and originated from within the structure. The Enterprise Rent-A-Car was totally destroyed by the fire.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott.

Defendant Information:

MATTHEW SCOTT WHITE, 32

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Arson, 1 count

ORIGINAL POST:
Minneapolis Man Charged With Arson Of St. Paul Car Rental Agency

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against MATTHEW SCOTT WHITE, 31, charging him with arson. MATTHEW WHITE, who was arrested on June, 29, 2020, made his initial appearance earlier today before Magistrate Judge Hildy Bowbeer in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

According to the allegations in the complaint, on May 28, 2020, an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building located in St. Paul, Minnesota, was completely destroyed due to fire. On June 3, 2020, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the scene and determined that the fire was caused by arson and originated from within the structure. ATF investigators were able to identify MATTHEW WHITE, his sister and co-conspirator JESSICA WHITE, and another individual captured on surveillance video footage from cameras located inside and outside of the business on the night of the arson. MATTHEW WHITE can be seen entering the business and remains inside for several minutes. JESSICA WHITE can be seen standing outside the business and knocking on the front window and looking into the front door. While inside, MATTHEW WHITE can be seen carrying a box and a garbage can into the back area of the business, out of the view of the camera. Shortly after, fire can be seen flickering in the reflection of the window in the front of the business. MATTHEW WHITE and the other individual exit the building and join JESSICA WHITE and others who have gathered outside of the business in watching the fire.

The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against MOHAMED HUSSEIN ABDI, 19, charging him with arson. ABDI, who was arrested on June, 29, 2020, made his initial appearance earlier today before Magistrate Judge Hildy Bowbeer in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.

According to the allegations in the complaint, on May 28, 2020, the Gordon Parks High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, suffered damage due to fire and vandalism. Surveillance cameras inside the school captured footage of ABDI and another individual intentionally setting a fire in the cafeteria. The footage shows ABDI reaching through a broken glass door and pouring a clear liquid from a white container on the floor of the cafeteria. ABDI then entered the cafeteria and poured more clear liquid onto the floor and into a trashcan. ABDI ignited a fire in the trashcan using a liquid-soaked garment. The footage shows ABDI running from the building as flames and black smoke erupt from the trashcan.

The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melinda A. Williams and Emily A. Polachek.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

MOHAMED HUSSEIN ABDI, 19

Maplewood, Minn.

Charges:

Arson, 1 coun

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UPDATE 11 October 2020: All charges have been dropped against Jessica White.

Andover Woman Charged With Arson Of St. Paul Car Rental Agency

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against JESSICA LYNN WHITE, 33, charging her with conspiracy to commit arson. WHITE, who was arrested on June, 16, 2020, made her initial appearance on June 17, 2020, before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis.

According to the allegations in the complaint, on May 28, 2020, an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building located in St. Paul, Minnesota, was completely destroyed due to fire. On June 3, 2020, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the scene and determined that the fire was caused by arson and originated from within the structure. ATF investigators were able to identify WHITE and two other individuals captured on surveillance video footage from cameras located inside and outside of the business on the night of the arson. WHITE can be seen outside of the business, knocking on the front window and looking into the front door while the two other individuals are inside the building for several minutes. Shortly after the two individuals exit the building, the front lobby area is filled with smoke and fire can be seen flickering in the reflection of the front window of the building.

The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at Tips.FBI.gov.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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