Meyer to change plea on arson charge

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman charged with starting an arson fire to a downtown business is scheduled to appear in court today, April 8, to change her plea.  

Jennifer Suzanne Meyer, 50, was charged in mid-July of last year with first-degree arson for setting a fire that destroyed the Army Surplus building in Sandpoint. Multiple surveillance cameras and eyewitnesses put Meyer at the scene of the crime, with evidence suggesting that she caused the fire. 

When police searched Meyer’s home, officials found a bag that contained her driver’s license, birth certificate, college transcript, passport, a gun and other valuables such as cash and silver.   

Meyer was arrested July 17, 2024, and held at Bonner County Jail before shortly being transferred to Idaho State Hospital North to undergo treatment. Meyer was transferred back to jail Jan. 30. 

Meyer could face up to 25 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000.