Grand Rapids: Heather Pero Faces Two Arson Charges

Grand Rapids (trfnews.i234.me) — Heather Pero, 36, was arrested on two arson charges early Thursday.

The arrest record lists the time as 2:42 a.m. on August 27, 2026.

Pero faces allegations of first-degree and second-degree arson under Minnesota law.

Both entries are listed as adult arrests.

First-Degree Arson Alleged

The first charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.561, subdivision 3(a).

The charge alleges a building was damaged using combustible or flammable material.

State law applies when flammable material allegedly starts or accelerates a fire.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.561 through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

A conviction under this part of the law can carry up to 20 years in prison.

The law also allows a fine of up to $20,000.

Heather Pero booking photo. Replace this placeholder with the official current mugshot URL.

Pero also faces a second-degree arson allegation under Minnesota Statute 609.562.

The booking description references a building and property valued at $1,000 or more.

The statute covers certain buildings damaged intentionally through fire or explosives.

It also covers qualifying real or personal property valued above $1,000.

The full statute is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

A second-degree arson conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison.

State law also allows a maximum fine of $20,000.

Those penalties apply only after a conviction.

The arrest information does not identify the building allegedly involved.

It also does not state what material was allegedly used.

No damage estimate was provided beyond the wording of the booking charge.

The record does not mention injuries or identify other people involved.

No court date or bail information was included in the supplied arrest entry.

Additional details may become available through court filings.

Public case information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Charges can be amended, dismissed, or resolved as the case proceeds.

The charges against Pero are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Pero is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.