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United States Court of Appeals For the Eighth Circuit ___________________________ No. 21-2849 ___________________________ United States of America Plaintiff - Appellee v. Matthew Lee Rupert Defendant - Appellant ____________ Appeal from United States District Court for the District of Minnesota ____________ Submitted: March 16, 2022 Filed: April 28, 2022 [Unpublished] ____________ Before GRUENDER, BENTON, and ERICKSON, Circuit Judges. ____________ PER CURIAM. Matthew L. Rupert pled guilty to arson in violation of
18 U.S.C. §§ 2, 844(i). During protests after the murder of George Floyd, Rupert lit a fire in the back of a Sprint store in Minneapolis. The fire triggered the sprinkler system, causing extensive damage to the store. The district court1 sentenced Rupert to 105 months in prison. Rupert appeals his sentence. Having jurisdiction under
28 U.S.C. § 1291, this court affirms. Rupert contends the district court clearly erred in its guidelines determination. The district court found that Rupert’s “actions and statements clearly show that he was attempting to destroy the store,” thus placing him in the highest base offense level. See U.S.S.G. § 2K1.4(a)(1)(B). This court “review[s] a district court's factual findings for clear error and its interpretation and application of the sentencing guidelines de novo.” United States v. Farish,
535 F.3d 815, 824 (8th Cir. 2008). Via live video stream, Rupert documented his acts on May 29, 2020. He repeatedly asked people leaving the store “Should we torch it?” Entering the store, he declared: “We’re gonna torch it, everybody gotta get out.” That video and the store’s surveillance video show him gathering boxes and pouring lighter fluid on them as an accelerant. He ordered his companion (a minor) to light the pile. Fleeing, Rupert shouted “I lit it on fire! I lit it on fire, yes!” After careful review of the record, this court concludes the district court did not clearly err in finding Rupert’s arson was (at least) an attempt to destroy the Sprint store. This court affirms Rupert’s sentence. See 8th Cir. R. 47B. ******* The judgment is affirmed. ______________________________ 1 Hon. Nancy E. Brasel, United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota. -2-
Document Info
Docket Number: 21-2849
Filed Date: 4/28/2022
Precedential Status: Non-Precedential
Modified Date: 4/28/2022