A Champlin man will serve three years' probation for setting fire to a Salvation Army worship and service center last fall in Brooklyn Park, causing thousands of dollars in damage and destroying hundreds of donated winter coats for those in need.
Jack D. Heinrich, 33, was sentenced Monday morning in Hennepin County District Court after pleading guilty to felony second-degree arson. He is accused of breaking into the center at 10011 Noble Parkway after hours on Nov. 3, smashing most of the building's windows, then lighting fire to a pew that was piled with coats. Heinrich also vandalized office areas, portions of the center's food shelf and two Salvation Army vehicles.
He appeared before District Judge Gina Brandt in orange prison garb for his sentencing — rescheduled from last week, when he declined the state's recommendation for mental health court. On Monday morning, Heinrich reaffirmed his decision.
Conditions of Heinrich's probation will still involve mental health treatment, including prescribed medication if a doctor deems it necessary. The Salvation Army is "very concerned about you getting mental health help," Brandt told Heinrich.
Last week, Heinrich told the judge that "I don't have any mental health concerns," and said he refused to listen to a doctor or take any medication — which would violate his probation and risk an 18-month prison sentence.
When Brandt said "prison could be the ultimate consequence of this," Heinrich responded, "I mean, given the fact that I'm homeless, it's kind of the same to me. It really doesn't matter."
As part of Heinrich's plea agreement, Brandt dismissed two other felony charges of second-degree burglary and first-degree damage to property. If Heinrich successfully completes his probation after three years, his felony level offense will be reduced.
With credit for 74 days in jail since his arrest, Heinrich is expected to serve another 16 days in the Hennepin County Workhouse before being released from custody.
