A 33-year-old Andover woman named Jessica White has been charged with conspiracy to engage in arson in connection to the fire set at a St. Paul car rental agency.
On Friday, United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald made a declaration of a federal criminal complaint against Jessica Lynn White. White made her initial court appearance on June 17 and has been charged with one count of conspiracy to carry out arson.
According to the complaint, on May 28, an Enterprise Rent-A-Car building in St. Paul was set ablaze and wholly destroyed. On June 3, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the scene and determined that the fire was the result of arson and originated from within the structure.
Investigators were able to identify White and two more individuals caught on surveillance video footage from cameras located inside and outside of the business on the night when the incident happened.
ATF says White can be observed outside of the business, knocking on the front window and looking into the front door while the two involved individuals were inside the building for several minutes. Shortly after, the two individuals were seen leaving the building, then the front lobby area filled with smoke and fire can be seen wavering in the reflection of the front window of the building.
Riots and demonstrations have spread in the United States after a cop was caught on tape with his knee on the neck of a man later identified as George Floyd.
The ATF and FBI prompted the public to report arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts related to the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to fires related to business in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or provide information anonymously via ReportIt.com.
Furthermore, the FBI is also looking for people who are involved in inciting or promoting violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5342) or send images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.
