Tou Mo Cha, the 56-year-old owner of Eastside Checkerboard Pizza in St. Paul, was sentenced in Ramsey County Court on Friday after being convicted of felony negligent fires. Cha was sentenced to 12 months in prison, but the sentence has been stayed for three years of probation. Despite the stay, Cha will still serve 30 days in the Ramsey County Correctional Facility, with six days of credit for time already served. In addition, Cha was ordered to pay $10,136 in restitution and fines for the damage caused by the fires.
Cha was convicted of felony negligent fires for causing damage to property worth $2,500 or more. The charges stemmed from an incident on August 8, 2023, when both his business, Eastside Checkerboard Pizza, and a neighboring establishment, 52 Market & Trading, were set on fire. Although no one was injured in either fire, the damage to both businesses was extensive, reportedly totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Authorities launched an investigation into the fires and determined they were likely set intentionally.
As part of the investigation, it was revealed that Cha had been seen entering an apartment above Checkerboard Pizza multiple times in the days leading up to the fire. This discovery prompted further scrutiny, and Cha was eventually charged after evidence suggested the fires had been deliberately set. Although Cha was initially charged with second-degree arson, the charge was dismissed after he entered a guilty plea in November of the previous year.
The fires caused significant disruption in the local business community, as both Checkerboard Pizza and 52 Market & Trading were forced to close for repairs. The investigation also raised concerns about the safety of the area and the potential for other businesses to be affected by similar incidents.
Cha’s conviction of felony negligent fires marks the culmination of a lengthy legal process, which began with his arrest following the fires in August 2023. While the charges were serious, the dismissal of the second-degree arson charge was seen as a key part of Cha’s plea agreement. His sentence includes probation, which will require him to comply with several conditions, including regular check-ins with a probation officer and adherence to any additional terms set by the court.
The case serves as a reminder of the legal and financial consequences of negligent actions that cause significant harm to others. The court’s decision to impose a stayed sentence allows Cha the opportunity to remain in the community while serving his sentence and fulfilling the terms of his probation, which will include paying restitution to the affected businesses. However, the damage caused by the fires continues to impact both businesses and the local community.
Cha’s legal troubles and the damage to his businesses highlight the challenges faced by small business owners when navigating complex legal situations. For now, he will continue to operate his pizza business, though the outcome of the case will likely have lasting effects on his reputation and future operations.
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