Two Charged In Faith Lutheran Arson Fire

Nicole Linderman

Valley City (CSi & AP) Two individuals previously charged with burglary face additional charges of felony arson in the October 21, 2013 fire that heavily damaged Faith Lutheran Church in Valley City, that caused about 2.2 million dollars in damages.

25 year old Andrew Mikalas of Valley City and 18 year old Nicole Lindermann, of Kathryn were charged, and Barnes County State’s Attorney Lee Grossman says the on-going investigation was conducted by local law enforcement agencies led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agency.

Mikalas was charged with felony arson, endangering by fire or explosion along with two counts of burglary and a misdemeanor charge of theft of property.

Nicole Lindermann was charged with felony criminal conspiracy to commit arson, felony burglary and misdemeanor theft of property.

They were charged with burglarizing Faith Lutheran Church on October 6, 2013.

The Associated Press reports the pair are accused of torching the building to cover up evidence of a break-in.

It wasn’t immediately clear if their public defenders on other charges will represent them on the new charges.

Valley City police Chief Fred Thompson says the investigation of several  church burglaries in Valley City that occurred last year, continues.

Anyone with information about the Faith Lutheran Church fire or the other church burglaries is asked to contact the Valley City police department at 701-845-3110.