Minnesota Court of Appeals Upholds Arson Conviction for Pierz Man

PIERZ -- The Minnesota State Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a Pierz man for Arson.

A Morrison County Jury returned a guilty verdict against 63-year-old Randy Reed, of Pierz, on charges of First Degree Arson on October 24, 2013.

Reed was found guilty after a four day trial.

He was sentenced to 60 months in prison on January 9th, 2013.

Reed was accused of trying to burn down his own house using gasoline, in order to collect the insurance money on the home.

The Court of Appeals upheld the conviction releasing a statement yesterday (Monday) saying:

"The evidence presented was sufficient for the jury to find that Reed intentionally started the fire to destroy his home and supports his conviction for first-degree arson."

The Defense has thirty days to file a Petition for Review with the Minnesota State Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has discretion whether to hear the case or not.