An Andover woman has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson in connection with one of the destructive fires that were set in St. Paul amid the violent unrest following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.
She was arrested Tuesday and made her initial appearance Wednesday in the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis.
Investigators with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) identified Jessica Lynn White, 33, and two other individuals through surveillance video footage from cameras located inside and outside the Enterprise car rental business at 1161 W. University Ave.
According to the federal criminal complaint, White can be seen outside the business about 8:45 p.m. May 28, knocking on the front window and looking into the front door while two other individuals, one being a juvenile, are inside for several minutes.
Shortly after the two individuals exit the building, the front lobby is filled with smoke and fire can be seen flickering in the reflection of the front window of the building. The building was destroyed by fire.
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White, whose Facebook page said she worked for AnyTime Bail Bonds and studied violence prevention at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, was described as having blue/green hair and wearing all black.
According to the ATF report, the juvenile at the scene is believed to be White’s son.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the ATF, the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott.
Anyone with information specifically related to other business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477).
