Second suspect gets jail time for fire at Minneapolis police station amid George Floyd protests

A second suspect has been sentenced for his role in sparking a fire at the Minneapolis police station and stealing authorities’ weapons and other gear as tensions triggered by the officer-involved death of George Floyd exploded into protests and rioting.

Branden Michael Wolfe on Wednesday was ordered to spend more than two years in jail and two years under supervised release, according to a news release from the District of Minnesota’s U.S. attorney’s office. He is also required to pay $12 million in restitution for damage done to the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct.

The 23-year-old was among the hundreds of demonstrators who gathered outside the south Minneapolis police station on May 28, just days after George Floyd was killed during an encounter with four police officers. Video of the Memorial Day incident, which shows Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on 46-year-old Floyd’s neck, sparked widespread backlash and calls for justice in the case.

According to prosecutors, Wolfe rolled a barrel into the police station with “the intent to accelerate” a blaze set by other protesters.

He also entered the building and stole a police vest, duty belt, handcuffs, earpiece, baton, knife, riot helmet, pistol magazine, police radio, police overdose kit, uniform name plates and ammunition, according to court documents.

“Mr. Wolfe furthered the destruction that took place in Minneapolis last summer by literally adding fuel to the fire. In addition to the arson, Mr. Wolfe stole body armor, weapons, and ammunition belonging to the Minneapolis Police Department,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk.

“This sentence underscores the seriousness of Mr. Wolfe’s actions and holds him to account.”

Co-conspirators Bryce Michael Williams, 27, and Davon De-Andre Turner, 25, have all pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit arson for their roles in the Third Precinct fire. They are set to be sentenced at a later date.

Dylan Shakespeare Robinson was also sentenced at the end of April to four years in prison and two years under supervised release, according to a news release from the District of Minnesota’s US attorney’s office. He is also required to pay $12 million in restitution.

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post On the Jersey front line as armada of French fishing boats 'restage Trafalgar' against Royal Navy
Next post Jersey: Royal Navy warships see off blockade and send 56-strong fleet of French fishing boats packing