Alleged Juba Coffee Arsonist Faces Tougher Charge

Federal prosecutors have beefed up charges against an East Grand Forks man accused of starting a fire that heavily damaged Juba Coffee House.

Matthew Gust appeared in court on a charge of use of a destructive device during a crime of violence.

That charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 30 years.

It is the second charge in the case.

Authorities say Gust set fire to the Somali owned restaurant in Grand Forks on December 7th.

They say the fire started from a homemade explosive made from a 40-ounce beer bottle.