Jones requests new trial following arson conviction

By Denise Lana,

Mindy Jones and public defender Aaron Hawbaker entered during Jones’ trial at Allamakee County Courthouse in November 2024. Jones was found guilty of setting fire to her Waukon business as well as causing the death of Molly, a 13-year-old dog which belonged to a young family residing in an upstairs apartment in Jones’ building. (File photo)

A former Allamakee store owner, who was found guilty in November 2024 of first-degree arson and animal abuse causing death, is requesting a new trial.   

Mindy Jones, age 44, was convicted of starting the blaze which consumed her Waukon business and an adjacent building, and she was also found guilty of animal abuse after a tenant’s dog which had been trapped in the burning building perished shortly after being rescued.

Jones argues there was insufficient evidence showing the fire caused the death of the animal, and she has submitted a motion for judgement of acquittal.

Prosecuting attorneys argue the state did provide sufficient evidence. The dog was 13 years old and was trapped for around 30 minutes in a smoke-filled stairwell before being rescued. The dog’s owner testified the dog became physically ill immediately after being removed from the fire — saying she was unable to walk or stand, her eyes were cloudy, and she could not control her bowels. The dog succumbed a few hours later. 

Jones’ defense attempted to offer an alternative explanation that there was no testimony from a veterinarian, and noting the dog was elderly. The state argues, while the dog was a senior animal, there was no evidence it was on its suffering similar symptoms before being trapped in the fire.  

A hearing to consider Jones’ request for a new trial motion will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon.

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