TYNDALL (AP) -- A Nebraska couple is to stand trial in South Dakota later this year for allegedly starting a fire that destroyed two businesses and damaged a third.
Charles and Kimberly Johnson of Niobrara, Neb., on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to second-degree arson and reckless burning. A week-long trial is set to begin Aug. 13 in Tyndall. They each could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
According to media reports, the couple is accused of starting the fire in Springfield to collect insurance. The Johnsons owned Libby's Steakhouse, one of the buildings destroyed in the October 2010 fire. An adjoining legal services company also was destroyed, and an insurance business had smoke and water damage.
