The US Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Erica MacDonald, has announced federal charges against an Andover woman who is accused of conspiring with others to set a St. Paul car rental agency on fire during the riots that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis Police custody on May 25.
Jessica Lynn White, 33, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit arson.
According to the charges against her, on May 28, an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building located in St. Paul, MN, was completely destroyed due to fire. Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) subsequently 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.
White made her initial court appearance in Minneapolis on June 17.
White is one of about a dozen people federally charged related to the arson and property destruction that occurred in the Twin Cities in the days after Floyd’s death. Nearly all the people federally charged related to the arsons are from Minnesota.
The ATF has offered over $70,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest and charges against others involved in the numerous arsons.
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 NGSGvcf@ngs.tbi 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.
Stay with Alpha News for updates on additional state, local and federal charges as they develop.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
