Hastings man pleads not guilty to John Deere arson
HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - A jury trial is pending for a Hastings man accused of setting fire to a John Deere dealership in July.
Reports say 31-year-old Mitchell Linder is charged with felony second-degree arson and with felony criminal mischief. Thursday he pleaded not guilty to both charges. His attorney requested a trial in February, but it has not been scheduled yet.
The fire at Landmark Implement in Hastings on July 13 caused an estimated $6 million in damage.
Court records show the state fire marshal arrested Linder about a month later after finding evidence that the fire was intentionally set. The fire marshal concluded that a box was set on fire in the parts department of the dealership.
Court records show Linder is free on $5,000 bond.
If convicted on the arson and criminal mischief charges, Linder could get up to six years in prison.