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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The man accused of setting fire to Faith Lutheran church in Valley City was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison and was sentenced to one year for the felony burglary charges but was given credit for his one year already served.

Andrew Miklas pleaded guilty to a number of felony charges stemming from the October 2013 break-in, burglary and arson fire of the church. Judge James Hovey ordered Miklas to serve 5 years of probation following his release from prison. He was also ordered to pay more than $7,400 plus in restitution. Judge Hovey ordered a restitution hearing in 60 days at the request of Barnes County State’s Attorney Carl Martineck.

Miklas apologized to the church and it’s members and said I’m paying for my consequences as well as my children and family members. 

Defense attorney Steve Mottinger told the court that he believes that Miklas is a good person but made a series of serious mistakes that was fueled by drug or chemical usage. He believes he can be rehabilitated to not make the same mistake again.

Miklas’ mother Denise Haugen says her son was a good boy that got caught up with a bad crowd. But he’s still a good person.

Faith Lutheran Church pastor Jolene Knutson-Hanse told Miklas we need to help you understand the impact and suffering your actions have caused the church and it’s members. She says the building is holy and sacred and peoples lives where changed with your actions, items that are irreplaceable are now gone forever. The incident lowered are church numbers over the last year and the church has suffered a financial loss since the fire. We are glad that today will put some closer on this incident. But we pray that you will realize your actions and have a successful rehabilitation. And we pray that he will one day find the lord. We do forgive you.

 

Andrew Miklas escorted back to the Barnes County jail after Judge James Hovey hands down a 8.5 year prison term for arson in connection with the church fire. Photo by Steve Urness.

Meanwhile his accomplice, Nicole Lindermann was sentence to one year in prison with all 365 days suspended for a period of five years along with five years of probation. Judge Hovey said her cooperation with law enforcement and the fact that it was her first offense played a role in the sentence.

Lindermann’s attorney Scott Brand read a statement written my Nicole. She told the church members that she was truly sorry for the loss of the church. I hope you will forgive me. I hoe your new church will provide good memories in the future. I’m sorry I didn’t stop Andrew Miklas from doing what he did to your church. She told the court that he threatened to kill me and my family if I didn’t cooperative on the night of the break-in and burglary of the church.

Lindermann’s attorney Scott Brand told the court that Nicole had no prior criminal history before her involvement with Andrew Miklas. Brand told the court that Lindermann feared for her life while with Miklas. He said he abused her and threatened to kill her if she did not cooperate with Miklas.

Pastor Jolene Knutson-Hanse told Nicole that we pray for you and we forgive you. People are still suffering but we are thankful you came forward and help resolve this tragic incident.

The estimated financial loss of the church is estimated at $2.5 million dollars. Church board president Tory Hart says a new church will be constructed across the street just east of the former site of the old church that was raised earlier this year.

Far right, Nicole Lindermann hugs family members before entering the courtroom to be sentenced. Judge Hovey sentenced her to a one year prison term suspended for five years with five years probation. Photo by Steve Urness.