Miklas, Linderman sentenced

Valley City (CSi) The pair accused of setting fire to, and burglarizing Faith Lutheran church in Valley City were sentenced on Monday.

Andrew Miklas was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for arson, along with one year in prison for the burglary charge and five years of probation following his release, and pay more than $7,400 in restitution,

Miklas pleaded guilty earlier this year, during a Change of Plea hearing to a number of felony charges in the October 21, 2013 break-in, burglary and arson fire of the church. Miklas pleaded guilty to felony Arson, felony endangering by fire or explosion, felony Burglary and a misdemeanor charge of Theft of Property.

A trial for Miklas was called off in August, 2014, after a plea agreement was reached.

Nicole Linderman

Meanwhile his accomplice, Nicole Lindermann of Katheryn, was sentenced to one year in prison with all 365 days suspended due to her cooperation with law enforcement and because it was here first offense.

Barnes County State’s Attorney Carl Martineck said Lindermann told authorities that Andrew Miklas broke into the church and stole cash and three bottles of wine. He later returned to the church with a can filled with paint thinner and started three separate fires.

She pleaded guilty August 25, 2013 to a felony charge of Conspiracy to Commit Arson and Burglary and a misdemeanor charge of Theft of Property for her involvement as an accomplice in burning and burglarizing Faith Lutheran Church.