Nebraska Couple on Trial in South Dakota for Arson

June 20, 2013

Trial has begun for a Nebraska couple accused of burning down a steakhouse they owned in the South Dakota town of Springfield to collect insurance money.

Niobrara residents Charles and Kimberly Johnson earlier pleaded not guilty to second-degree arson and reckless burning in the October 2010 fire that destroyed their restaurant and another business and damaged a third. Each could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The Daily Republic newspaper reports that a 12-person jury was seated Monday in Tyndall. The trial is expected to last through the week.