SANDPOINT, Idaho — Jennifer S. Meyer, 50, has been awaiting trial on a first degree arson charge since last July for starting the fire that destroyed the Army Surplus 1 store in Sandpoint on the Fourth of July.
At the time of the devasting fire, Army Surplus 1 had been in business for over four decades and operated from the downtown Sandpoint location for 33 years. Business owner Cornel Rasor had worked there for 43 years before purchasing the company from his long-time friend and employer only two years before the fire. Rasor had recently won the Republican primary for Legislative District 1 House B seat, previously held by Sage Dixon. Based on political commentary found on social media, some community members attribute the arson to political violence.
Court records show that Meyer entered a not guilty plea last summer and a competency evaluation was ordered. At the end of January, the court entered an order terminating commitment and held a felony arraignment hearing on February 12 to advise Meyer of her rights.
On Tuesday, April 8, a motion for a change of plea is scheduled to be heard at 9:15 a.m.
Yesterday, the Army Surplus Facebook page posted, “For those following the destruction of our Army Surplus Store on 07/04/2024, the perpetrator has pleaded guilty to Second Degree Arson.”
The post suggests the change of plea comes with a deal to reduce the first degree arson to second degree arson. Under Idaho Code § 18-803, a second degree arson conviction is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or fined up to $75,000.
Cornel relocated the Army Surplus 1 store to 30640 Highway 200 East in Ponderay and officially reopened on January 18.
