Accused of Setting Fire to Nebraska Bar She Was Buying, Woman Takes Plea Deal

A woman accused of setting fire to a bar she was buying in central Nebraska has taken a plea deal.

Custer County District Court records say 54-year-old Jane Chestnutt pleaded guilty last week to criminal mischief and attempted arson. Prosecutors reduced the charges and dropped one in exchange for her pleas. The original charges included one for insurance fraud.

Chestnutt is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 22.

The March 27 blaze last year heavily damaged Jim’s Bar in Arnold. The bar owner says he was selling it to Chestnutt and her husband and that she had said she was having trouble making the payments.

Related:

• Woman Accused of Insurance Fraud, Setting Fire to Nebraska Bar She Was Buying