Man pleads guilty to setting his own business on fire

In St. Paul, Minnesota, a man named Tou Ma Cha faced allegations of setting fire to his own business, Checkerboard Pizza, along with damage to a nearby grocery store. This incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when a fire broke out, leading to Cha's arrest following an investigation. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Cha in the vicinity of the apartment entryway where the fire started just prior to the incident. Despite this evidence, Cha has denied being at the site, creating a conflict between his statements and the video evidence. This scenario ultimately led to a plea deal where Cha entered a guilty plea for an amended felony count of negligent fire rather than facing more severe charges. In agreements outlined in this proposed deal, if accepted by the court, Cha could face a sentence of 30 days in jail alongside a requirement to pay restitution for the damages caused by the fire. The initial charge against him was for second-degree arson, which carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. While his next court date has not yet been scheduled, the situation has raised significant concerns regarding the motivations behind his actions and the implications of his plea deal on the community. The case highlights broader questions around fire safety, personal and business accountability, and the seriousness of arson-related offenses within the legal system.