E. Grand Forks Man Pleads Not Guilty To Somali Cafe Fire
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — A Minnesota man accused of starting a fire that heavily damaged a Somali restaurant in Grand Forks had pleaded not guilty in federal court.
Twenty-five-year-old Matthew Gust of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, is charged with malicious use of explosive materials. Authorities announced Friday that a grand jury had handed down an indictment.
Authorities say the Dec. 7 fire at the Juba Coffee House was started by a homemade explosive made and caused an estimated $90,000 in damage. It happened three days after vandals spray-painted what some have described as a Nazi-like symbol on the business, along with the words "go home." Investigators say they do not know if the vandalism and the fire are connected.
Related: Man Charged With Setting Fire At Somali Eatery Makes Court Appearance
Gust was ordered to remain in custody before the March 15 trial.
(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
