Former Big Lot manager charged with arson

By David Olson

August 21, 2007 at 11:00 PM

The former business manager of the Big Lot in Moorhead has been charged in Clay County District Court with first-degree arson and theft by swindle, Moorhead Police Lt. Shannon Monroe said this morning.

Jeremy Jack Brinkman, 29, Fargo, admitted to setting a fire at the car dealership July 16, Monroe said.

Brinkman told authorities his intent was to destroy records associated with more than $60,000 in missing funds, Monroe said.

Damages to the Big Lot were estimated at more than $700,000, Monroe said.

Brinkman was arrested in Fargo today and is being held in the Cass County Jail pending extradition to Minnesota.

For details, see Thursday's Forum.

By David Olson

I'm a reporter and a photographer and sometimes I create videos to go with my stories.

I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead and in my time with The Forum I have covered a number of beats, from cops and courts to business and education.

I've also written about UFOs, ghosts, dinosaur bones and the planet Pluto.

You may reach me by phone at 701-241-5555, or by email at dolson@forumcomm.com.