Nebraska Ex-School Employee Charged with Arson

Prosecutors have charged a former Lincoln Public Schools employee with second-degree arson in a fire that destroyed the district’s office building.

Sharon Brewster was charged on Wednesday. A Lancaster County judge set her bond at $1 million. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 12.

The May 30 fire caused an estimated $20 million in damage. Brewster was arrested on Monday, the day she resigned. According to court documents, investigators believe Brewster used a lighter to burn a box of files on a desk.

Second-degree arson carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Defense attorney Chris Ferdico says he will likely ask for a bond reduction within 24 hours.