Employee Arrested in Nebraska School District Fire

Authorities say an employee with Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska has been arrested for allegedly setting a fire that destroyed the district’s office building.

The Lincoln Journal Star says Sharon Brewster was booked in the Lancaster County jail on Monday on a charge of first-degree arson. The newspaper says Brewster is associated with the curriculum staff, focusing on the gifted program.

The May 30 fire caused an estimated $20 million in damage. Fire inspectors and insurance officials finished the on-site investigation last month, and Monday’s announcement was the first to link the fire with suspicious activity.

Jail officials say Brewster is being held pending a court appearance Tuesday. Her case isn’t listed on the online court system, and it wasn’t immediately known if she has an attorney.