Bond set at $1 million for Steele motel fire suspect

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A district court judge has set bond at $1 million cash for a Texas man accused of setting a fire that destroyed the Lone Steer Motel in Steele.

The Bismarck Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/MzcoCC) that 50-year-old Allen Thomas appeared Wednesday via interactive television from the McLean County Courthouse. The hearing was held at the Burleigh County Courthouse.

Thomas, from Houston, has been charged with felony arson in connection with the Sunday fire. No one was injured in the fire. About two dozen people were displaced.

Thomas could spend up to 10 years in prison if he's convicted on the arson charge.

Tags: north dakota, news, crime, fire, updates