Man is Facing Charges for Wildfire Arson After Grass Fire Outside Mystic Lake Casino
Published: December 9, 2025.
PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA: A 34-year-old man is facing felony arson charges after Prior Lake police allege he intentionally ignited a grass fire near Mystic Lake Casino on Thursday night, December 4, 2025, prompting a response from security personnel, police, and firefighters.
James Jermaine Scott was charged in Scott County District Court with Wildfire Arson – Setting Wildfires, a felony, and Wildfire Arson – Possession of Flammables, a gross misdemeanor. The incident occurred on December 4, 2025, along Mystic Lake Drive near Credit Union Drive in Prior Lake.
Fire Detected After Surveillance Identifies Suspect
According to the criminal complaint, Mystic Lake Casino (MLC) security notified Prior Lake police around 9:45 p.m. after spotting a 10-foot-wide fire burning in tall grass and reeds along the east side of Mystic Lake Drive. Security staff immediately reviewed surveillance footage and identified the suspect as Scott, with whom they had prior contact and who already had identification photos on file.
Security officers detained Scott near Little Six Casino shortly after the fire ignited. Prior Lake Police officers arrived moments later and took Scott into custody.
Video Shows Scott Buying Lighter, Entering Ditch Before Blaze
Investigators say surveillance footage from earlier in the night shows Scott purchasing a small lighter at 9:35 p.m. from Dakota Convenience Store #1. He is then allegedly seen walking north along Mystic Lake Drive before descending into a ditch at 9:42 p.m., where he bends out of view. Within a minute, a large fire erupts from the exact location, the complaint states. By 9:43 p.m., Scott is visible again, walking away from the fire toward Dakotah Parkway, allegedly without attempting to extinguish it or alert anyone. He was detained at 9:46 p.m.
Scott Tells the Police the Fire Was Accidental
After being read his Miranda rights, Scott allegedly told officers he did not intentionally start the fire, claiming instead that gasoline had spilled on his clothing earlier in St. Paul. He reportedly said the gasoline-soaked garments were in a bag he had with him on the shuttle he took from MOA to MLC. He wanted to dispose of the bag, but he didn’t want to put it in the trash next to the bus stop, out of concern that someone nearby smoking at the bus stop might accidentally ignite it when disposing of their cigarette. He stated that while he was walking, ashes from his cigarette caught the bag he was carrying on fire, so he dumped the bag in the ditch.
Scott could not explain why he did not notify casino security. The complaint states that officers noted that Scott had two mini Bic lighters, clothing that strongly smelled of gasoline, and two small baggies of a green leafy substance consistent with marijuana.
Shuttle Driver Reports Strong Odor of Gasoline
The shuttle bus driver who transported Scott from the Mall of America to MLC described him as appearing homeless and smelling so strongly of gasoline that the odor brought the driver to tears. The driver said Scott claimed the gasoline spill had been accidental.
The driver notified MLC security upon arrival due to concerns about the odor and the bag Scott was carrying.
Firefighters Extinguish Flames Burning in Tall Grass
Prior Lake Police officers located the fire at about 9:52 p.m. and reported that the flames were between 1.5 and 2 feet high. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and covered the area with snow to prevent reignition. Crews found burned paper or debris from a brown paper bag that they allege was used to fuel the fire.
Court Appearance and Bail Conditions
Scott made his first court appearance on December 8, 2025, before Judge Lauren Johnson. His bail options were set at:
$2,500 cash with conditions
$25,000 non-cash bond with conditions
$12,000 cash with no conditions
$12,000 non-cash bond with no conditions
Scott’s next hearing, an omnibus hearing, is scheduled for January 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Law Enforcement Center in Scott County. Court records do not show that he has posted bail as of the writing of this article.
If convicted of the felony wildfire arson charge, Scott faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Written by: Will Wight
