MNRIOTS: three men charged with arson

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24, VICTOR DEVON EDWARDS, 31, and LEROY LEMONTE PERRY WILLIAMS, 34, each with one count of conspiracy to commit arson of the Target Corporation’s corporate headquarters building located at 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota. JACKSON, EDWARDS, AND WILLIAMS were previously charged via federal complaint with arson. Formal detention and arraignment hearings will be scheduled at a later date.

According to allegations in the federal indictment 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. JACKSON, EDWARDS, and WILLIAMS went to the Target Corporation’s corporate headquarters building (“Target Corporation building”) where dozens of other people had gathered. JACKSON used a construction sign to break through one of the glass doors into the Target Corporation building. JACKSON, EDWARDS, and WILLIAMS, along with unidentified others, breached the doors and entered the Target Corporation building. Once inside, JACKSON intentionally set a fire on a counter inside the mailroom while EDWARDS stood nearby. EDWARDS later added a liquid accelerant to the fire located on the mailroom counter with the intent to fuel the existing fire.  JACKSON attempted to light a second fire in the mailroom on top of cardboard boxes using a lighter and a bottle of ignitable liquid. JACKSON, EDWARDS, and WILLIAMS, along with unidentified others then ran out of the building together using the same door. WILLIAMS subsequently re-entered the building and attempted to light a fire inside the building entrance before leaving the scene.

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 Attorney Chelsea A. Walcker.

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

Defendant Information:

SHADOR TOMMIE CORTEZ JACKSON, 24

Richfield, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to Commit Arson, 1 count

VICTOR DEVON EDWARDS, 31,

St. Paul, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to Commit Arson, 1 count

LEROY LEMONTE PERRY WILLIAMS, 34

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

• Conspiracy to Commit Arson, 1 count