CUSTER COUNTY— The woman who started the fire in the Jim’s Bar kitchen over a year ago has taken a plea deal with the state.. 54 year- old Jane Chestnutt appeared in Custer County District Court on Thursday, June 20 facing charges of arson, criminal mischief, and fraud after investigations revealed she had intentionally set the fire in March 2018.
The state, represented by County Attorney Steve Bowers, informed Judge Karin Noakes that a plea deal had been reached with Chestnutt and her attorney Stephen Potter.
Bowers informed the court that the plea deal stated that in exchange for a guilty plea, the state would amend the 2nd degree arson charge to criminal attempt and would also dismiss the third charge of defrauding an insurer. Restitution was the final piece of the plea deal, where all parties agreed that Chestnutt would pay back $5,861.07 for the damage caused by the fire.
Following the agreement, Chestnutt pled guilty to criminal attempt (class IV felony) and criminal mischief (class IV felony). A pre-sentence investigation was ordered by Judge Noakes and Chestnutt will appear for sentencing on August 22 at 10 AM.
Justin Spencer, 44 of Sargent, made his appearance in Custer County Court on Thursday for his first appearance concerning additional charges.
Spencer is facing three new charges of terroristic threats (class IIIA felony), 3rd degree domestic assault (class IIIA felony), and a habitual criminal enhancement. A preliminary hearing has been set for July 22 at 2 PM, which is also the same date and time as Spencer’s two other pending felony cases.
Spencer was also released on a personal recognizance bond after agreeing to the probation terms in a misdemeanor case. A no contact order was also given where Spencer must have no contact with the victim until allowed by the court.
