Trial begins Tuesday for Herried woman charged in 2015 bar fire

Jan. 27--Lori Brandner of Herreid will stand trial at the Campbell County Courthouse in Mound City Tuesday on arson charges, according to the Prairie Pioneer newspaper.

Brandner, owner of the Road House Bar & Grill, is charged with aiding and abetting second degree arson, conspiracy to commit second degree arson and felony commission of a fraudulent insurance act of $1,000 or more.

The bar was damaged by fire on Jan. 21, 2015.

Cheyenne Davis, of Pollock, and North Dakota residents Ryan Kalberer and Tyler Armbrus also face charges in connection with the fire. They have filed plea agreements with the court but must wait until Brandner's trial is complete before their sentencing, according to the Prairie Pioneer.

Campbell County State's Attorney Mark Kroontje said Brandner is being charged with the felony commission of fraudulent insurance because she filed an insurance claim after the fire, according to American News archives.

While Davis was an employee at the bar, Kroontje previously has said the other two were unconnected with the business.

Both the fire marshal and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation assisted in this case.

The arson and insurance fraud charges each carry maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Feb. 3 and 4 have also been set aside for the trial.

The fire caused serious damage to the building's interior while one exterior wall only sustained minor damage, according to archives.

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