Ironwood woman arrested on arson, animal abuse charges

IRONWOOD — An Ironwood woman is now in custody on three severe charges.

The 24–year–old female was arrested in connection with the Sunday afternoon fire at The Pine’s Café in Ironwood.

The first count charged is of first degree arson carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, $20,000 fine or 3 times the value of the property damaged or destroyed.

The second count charged is of arson–preparation to burn a dwelling, which carries the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or 3 times the value of the property damaged or destroyed, whichever greater.

The third and final charge is of animals–torturing/killing in the third degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The female is currently being held in the Gogebic County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond.

Her name is being withheld, pending her arraignment.

The Ironwood Public Safety Department was assisted by the Hurley Fire Department, Beacon Ambulance, Iron County Sheriff’s Office, Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police-Wakefield, Hurley Police Department and the Red Cross.