Woman Convicted of Burning Bar for Insurance Seeks New Trial
ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — A woman convicted of setting fire to a bar and grill she co-owned in the South Dakota town of Herreid to get insurance money is seeking a new trial.
A jury last month found 41-year-old Lori Brandner guilty of arson, conspiracy to commit arson and filing a fraudulent insurance claim. She awaits sentencing.
The American News reports defense attorney Brad Schreiber has filed a motion for a new trial, citing concerns over jury instructions.
Authorities say Brandner and three others set fire to the business on January 21st, 2015, and that Brandner later submitted a $310,000 insurance claim.
Tyler Ambrust and Ryan Kaelberer, of Minot, North Dakota, were sentenced last month to a year in prison for arson conspiracy. Cheyenne Davis, of Pollock, awaits sentencing on the same charge.
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