Federal Charges Filed Against Alleged Juba Arsonist

Federal charges are filed against a man accused of torching a Somali restaurant in Grand Forks.
 
25-year-old Matthew Gust, of East Grand Forks, is charged with malicious use of an explosive device and use of a destructive device during a crime of violence.

Authorities accuse Gust of throwing a 40-ounce beer bottle filled with gasoline through a window at Juba Coffee House on December 8th, starting a fire that caused an estimated $90,000 in damage.

Gust already faces state charges.

His attorneys say he maintains his innocence in the case.

Gust is scheduled to appear in federal court Tuesday.