OCEANA COUNTY, Mich. -- The man accused of breaking into the Coast Guard headquarters in Grand Haven and assaulting personnel Jan. 8 is also facing felony arson charges in Oceana County.
Matthew Krueger, 33, will be charged with first-degree arson, second-degree arson, preparation to burn property valued at $20,000 or more and preparation to burn insured property, according to the Oceana County Prosecutor's Office.
Krueger faces up to life in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted of the first-degree arson charge. He faces an additional 40 years in prison and up to $40,000 in fines for the others charges.
“The reason it’s so serious is because fire is dangerous and it can get out of hand, luckily nobody was hurt, but firefighters and first responders endanger their lives responding to this to make sure it doesn’t get any further," said Joe Bizon, Oceana County prosecutor. "There was significant property loss and we’re just grateful it didn’t get out of hand.”
He's accused of setting fire to a retro gas station,a local landmark in Golden Township. The building was a total loss.
Krueger was arraigned Monday in connection with the Jan. 8 threat at the Coast Guard headquarters. He was charged with making a false report or threat of terrorism and malicious destruction of property, both felony charges that could mean up to 25 years in prison.
