Man Charged In Gov. Dayton's Former Home Arson Case

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 29-year-old man has been charged in connection to an arson fire at a south Minneapolis home once owned by Gov. Mark Dayton.

Jeron Latiff Patterson was charged with first-degree arson and is currently in custody at the Hennepin County Jail.

According to the criminal complaint, crews were called to a home on the 4200 block of Harriet Parkway in the early morning hours of July 2. The homeowner told police he heard a "poof" outside and then saw a bright flash next to his house. When he went outside, he noticed his house was on fire in three separate areas. The fire caused more than $1,000 in damage.

The homeowner was able to put out all three fires before calling the fire department. After putting out the fire, he found a new, black suitcase, which contained two five-gallon plastic gas cans, four lighter fluid bottles and a pack of grill lighters, according to the criminal complaint.

The Minneapolis Crime Lab investigated the suitcase and determined it was recently purchased at Target. Investigators contacted Target Corporate Investigations Office, where they were able to search purchase records. They found the suitcase and items inside were purchased around 8:45 a.m. on July 1 with a debit card belonging to Patterson.

Investigators were also able to determine that Patterson used the same debit card to purchase gasoline at a Super America, near the home that was set on fire. They also obtained security video of who they believe was Patterson pulling a black suitcase to the gas pumps.

Officers arrested Patterson, who is currently in custody. During the arrest, investigators recovered the debit card used in the Target and Super America purchases.

If convicted, Patterson faces up to 20 years in jail and a $20,000 fine.