Remer: Heather Pero Faces Arson Charges in Pub Fire

REMER, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Heather Joanne Pero faces two felony charges connected to the fire that destroyed The Pub.

The Cass County case centers on the April 27, 2025, fire near Remer.

Pero, 36, is charged in court file 11-CR-26-1266.

Prosecutors charged her with aiding and abetting first-degree and second-degree arson.

Early Morning Fire Destroyed The Pub

The complaint says emergency crews were called to The Pub around 5:30 a.m.

The business was located at 6691 State Highway 200 near Remer.

Firefighters arrived to find the building engulfed in flames.

Pero and business owner Kory Wagner later spoke with investigators.

Both acknowledged being at the business earlier that morning, according to the complaint.

They said they had stopped while returning from a casino near Walker.

Investigators later examined surveillance video and cellphone location information.

Prosecutors allege that evidence placed the couple near Remer shortly before the fire was reported.

No law enforcement officer names are included in this report.

Investigators Allege Fire Was Deliberately Set

The complaint describes several investigations into the fire’s origin.

Investigators allegedly found two separate areas where the fire began.

A private forensic investigation also reported evidence of an ignitable liquid.

Heather Joanne Pero | Cass County Sheriff’s Office booking image

The substance was described as consistent with petroleum-based fuels or similar fire-starting liquids.

The report found no evidence of an electrical, mechanical, or natural cause.

The complaint says investigators concluded the fire resulted from a deliberate human act.

A separate State Fire Marshal investigation classified the blaze as incendiary.

Employees Reported Earlier Comments

Several witnesses also described comments allegedly made before the fire.

One worker told investigators Pero had repeatedly talked about wanting the business gone.

Another witness alleged Pero offered $20,000 to have the building burned.

That person told investigators the offer was rejected.

Another employee reported being asked whether he would burn the business, according to the complaint.

Pero told investigators that earlier comments about the business burning were jokes.

Financial Problems Cited in Complaint

The complaint also discusses financial problems involving The Pub.

Witnesses reported missed payroll and other money problems.

Investigators learned the property was covered by an insurance policy.

The listed building coverage exceeded $700,000, according to court documents.

Pero is not charged with insurance fraud in this complaint.

Two Felony Arson Counts Filed

Count One cites Minnesota Statute 609.561.

The count alleges first-degree arson involving flammable material.

A conviction can carry up to 20 years and a $20,000 fine.

Count Two cites Minnesota Statute 609.562.

Second-degree arson can carry up to 10 years and a $20,000 fine.

The aiding-and-abetting allegation also cites Minnesota Statute 609.05.

Charges Remain Allegations

The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.

Pero is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.