Jury Convicts man of Arson in 2018 Detroit Lakes Fire at The Refuge Christian Outreach Center

Jun 16, 2022 | 1:16 PM

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM/KFGO) – A jury has convicted an Elk River man of 1st Degree Arson for a September 2018 fire at the Refuge Christian Outreach Center in Detroit Lakes.

Gary Bogatz was found as found guilty on arson charges, but was acquitted on felony insurance fraud charges. According to the complaint, investigators matched a fingerprint on a door handle to Bogatz and he later admitted to his involvement in the fire. He told investigators that he was asked by a board member of the Refuge and another person to start the fire using gasoline. He suggested that it was an attempt to collect insurance money.

The fire to the Refuge led to an insurance payout of over $500,000.

Becker County attorney, Brian McDonald says he won’t comment on the case until sentencing which is scheduled for July 13. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

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