Maurice Garrett was charged Monday in Clay County District Court. He faces first-degree arson of a dwelling.<\/p>\n
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. It also allows a fine of up to $20,000.<\/p>\n
Those penalties are listed under Minnesota\u2019s first-degree arson law<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to the criminal complaint, firefighters responded shortly after 5 a.m. on June 28.<\/p>\n The fire was reported at an apartment building in the 800 block of Second Avenue North.<\/p>\n A fire alarm had been activated inside the building. The caller later identified himself as Garrett.<\/p>\n The complaint states Garrett told dispatchers he had set his apartment on fire.<\/p>\n When police arrived, they found heavy water damage from the building\u2019s sprinkler system.<\/p>\n Inside the apartment, a refrigerator appeared to block the front door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Police also found a burned toilet paper roll near a back wall.<\/p>\n Investigators reported severe fire damage near the apartment\u2019s entrance.<\/p>\n The refrigerator, front door, and nearby wall all showed signs of burning.<\/p>\n Garrett told police he started the fire with the toilet paper roll.<\/p>\n He said he wanted to scare away a man he believed was inside.<\/p>\n Garrett also believed that the person had a gun, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n Police searched the apartment but found no other person inside.<\/p>\n A neighbor told police Garrett left the apartment while carrying knives.<\/p>\n That reported sighting happened before officers arrived at the building.<\/p>\n Court records say Garrett remains in custody under a detention order.<\/p>\n No bail amount was listed in the criminal complaint.<\/p>\n The case remains pending in Clay County District Court in Moorhead.<\/p>\nFire Reported Early Sunday<\/h2>\n
![\"Maurice](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GARRETT-MAURICE.jpg\")
Fire Damage Found Near Entrance<\/h2>\n
Court Proceedings Continue<\/h2>\n