United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against MCKENZY ANN DEGIDIO DUNN, 19 of Rosemount, charging her with conspiracy to commit arson. DUNN’s co-conspirators, SAMUEL ELLIOTT FREY, 19 of Brooklyn Park, and BAILEY MARIE BALDUS, 19 of Ramsey, have also been charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit arson.
According to the allegations in the complaints, on May 28, 2020, a health and nutrition store located in St. Paul, Minnesota, sustained damage due to vandalism and fire. On June 3, 2020, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the store and determined that the fire and smoke damage was caused by arson. ATF investigators obtained video surveillance footage from inside the store on the night of the arson. Following ATF’s public request for tips and identifying information, investigators were able to identify DUNN, FREY and BALDUS in the surveillance video footage. FREY can be seen pouring flammable hand sanitizer onto a shelving unit and lighting it on fire. DUNN can be seen standing near the shelving unit holding a bottle of flammable hand sanitizer.
The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to business fires in the Twin Cities can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com. In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, the St. Paul Fire Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert and Joseph S. Teirab.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
— — —
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging MATTHEW LEE RUPERT, 28 of Galesburg, Illinois, with civil disorder, rioting, and arson. RUPERT, who was initially charged in a federal criminal complaint on June 1, 2020, will be arraigned before a Magistrate Judge in U.S. District Court at a later date. RUPERT has been ordered to remain in detention pending further proceedings.
According to the allegations in the indictment and documents filed in court, on May 28, 2020, RUPERT posted messages on his Facebook account referencing the public protests occurring in the Twin Cities following the death of George Floyd, including one that stated, “I’m going to Minneapolis tomorrow who coming only goons I’m renting hotel rooms.” On May 29, 2020, RUPERT posted a self-recorded cell phone video to his Facebook account indicating that he was in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the video, RUPERT can be seen passing out explosive devices he possessed, encouraging others to throw his explosives at law enforcement officers, actively damaging property, appearing to light a fire in a building and looting businesses in Minneapolis.
According to the allegations in the indictment and documents filed in court, in the video, RUPERT stated, “They got SWAT trucks up there . . . I’ve got some bombs if some of you all want to throw them back . . . bomb them back . . . here I got some more . . . light it and throw it.” RUPERT makes these statements as he hands out an item with brown casing and a green wick to other individuals. The video also depicts RUPERT asking for lighter fluid before entering a Sprint store, followed by his statement, “I lit it on fire.” RUPERT then goes to a nearby Office Depot and states, “I’m going in to get [expletive].” RUPERT can be seen taking items from the store.
According to the allegations in the indictment and documents filed in court, on May 30, 2020, RUPERT posted messages on his Facebook account stating that he was headed to Chicago, Illinois. Specifically, RUPERT stated, “come with bro Chicago let’s go” and “We will be back bro we can loot til 2:30.” In the early morning hours of May 31, 2020, RUPERT posted multiple videos to his Facebook account showing him in and around the Chicago area. RUPERT can be heard saying “let’s start a riot” and “I’m going to start doing some damage.” At approximately 2:21 a.m., Chicago police officers arrested RUPERT and his associates for violating the City of Chicago’s emergency curfew order. Law enforcement officers searched RUPERT’S vehicle and recovered several explosive devices, a hammer, a heavy-duty flashlight, and cash.
Tags:
