Arson defendant not fit to proceed

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Army Surplus arson case was delayed again Nov. 13. This time for six months.

On Nov. 13 Judge Susie Jensen signed a court order that extended the commitment of Jennifer Suzanne Meyer, 50, the defendant in the arson case, to Idaho State Hospital North for 180 days, ending May 18, 2025.

The decision comes on the heels of a progress report from Idaho State Hospital North that indicated Meyer was, “not fit to proceed at this time, but that there is a substantial probability the defendant will be fit to proceed within the foreseeable future,” according to court documents.

The order said that Idaho State Hospital North will continue to evaluate Meyer’s mental condition and in the event Meyer is determined to be fit to proceed before May 18, that change in mental state shall be immediately reported to the court.

Meyer was deemed incapable of assisting in the defense of her case and committed to the custody of Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for care and treatment on Aug. 18, for a period not exceeding 90 days.

Meyer is charged with first-degree arson for allegedly setting the fire that burned down Sandpoint Army Surplus on July 4 of this year. The Bonner County resident was charged after police said multiple surveillance videos from businesses near the Army Surplus building showed the woman in the vicinity and acting suspiciously.

During a search of Meyer's home, officers allegedly found a bag next to the front door containing personal documents, including her driver's license, birth certificate, college transcript and passport, $1,000 in cash, a gun and ammunition, and silver valued at an estimated $1,200.