Arson Rages Through St. Paul Neighborhood
A Rochester man’s fiery rampage has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with multiple buildings set ablaze in the St. Paul neighborhood. According to court documents, Jose Angel Felan, Jr., 35, set fire to the Goodwill retail store, Gordon Parks High School, and 7 Mile Sportswear store on May 28, 2020. The fires, which ravaged the area, prompted a massive investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, the St. Paul Police Department, the St. Paul Fire Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
Following the arsons, Felan and his wife and co-defendant Mena Dhaya Yousif, 23, fled the state, traveling by car from Rochester, Minnesota, to Texas, where Felan had family. Ultimately, Felan and Yousif fled the United States and escaped to Mexico. On February 15, 2021, following an anonymous tip, Felan and Yousif were located and detained by Mexican immigration authorities and returned to the United States.
Yesterday, Felan pleaded guilty before Senior Judge David S. Doty to one count of arson. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date.
Defendant Information:
Defendant Name: Jose Angel Felan Jr.
Criminal Charges: One count of arson
City and State: St. Paul, Minnesota
Exact Date: May 28, 2020
Sentence or Outcome: Plea agreement reached, sentencing hearing to be scheduled
Mandated Facts: This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melinda A. Williams and Emily A. Polachek. The fugitive apprehension efforts were led by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Investigation Agencies:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
FBI
St. Paul Police Department
St. Paul Fire Department
Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division
Related Federal Cases
- Jose Angel Felan, Jr., Arson, Minnesota 2022 · Texas
- Alagie Barrow, Conspiracy Violating Neutrality Act, Minnesota 2014 · New York
- Smith, Federal Kidnapping Charges, Minnesota 2005 · Texas
- Jose Velazquez, Federal Embezzlement, Indiana, 1998 · Texas
- SAN JOSE-DIAZ, Federal Criminal Case, Indiana, 2019 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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