Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty In Federal Arson Case

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Minneapolis (KROC AM News) -  A Rochester woman is the latest to plead guilty to being involved in the widespread destruction that occurred in the Twin Cities following last year’s death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The US Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis says 23-year-old Mena Dhaya Yousif and her 35-year-old husband Jose Angel Felan "went to several businesses located on University Avenue in St. Paul. Felan allegedly set fire to the Goodwill retail store, the Gordon Parks High School, and the 7 Mile Sportswear store."

They were torched on May 28, 2020.

Prosecutors say over the course of the following week, "Yousif aided and abetted Felan as he fled from Minnesota to Texas, before crossing the border into Mexico. Yousif traveled with Felan and assisted his escape by destroying evidence and providing false information to law enforcement."

At the time of their disappearance, the US Marshal's office indicated Yousif "Appears to be noticeably pregnant."

The two were arrested by Mexican law enforcement authorities in February and returned to the United States to face prosecution.

Yousif will be sentenced at a later date. Her husband’s case is pending.

News update:  Woman hurt in chain-reaction crash in SW Minnesota has died.