DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KFGO/KVRR) – An Elk River, Minnesota man whose arson conviction was overturned by the Minnesota Court of Appeals is facing new charges in connection with a 2018 fire in Detroit Lakes.
Gary Bogatz Jr. was convicted of first-degree arson following a fire at The Refuge, a nonprofit Christian Outreach & Resource Center.
In November, the Court of Appeals ruled that Bogatz is entitled to a new trial because he made statements during a police interview that should have been suppressed. The ruling says the interview should have stopped when Bogatz asked about his right to have an attorney.
On Dec. 23, Becker County prosecutors filed new charges, including one count of first-degree arson and one count of second-degree arson.
Court documents say the fire was started in the front of the building. Forced entry was made through a window in the back of the building using a pry tool.
Investigators located a fingerprint on the back-door handle. The fingerprint was made from frosting on a portion of a dessert bar that was missing.
If convicted, Bogatz faces up to 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.