Apple Valley Alleged Arsonist Likely Heading to Trial

A local man charged with felony first-degree arson and misdemeanor damage to property is likely heading to trial after Dakota County judge Timothy McManus listened to arguments from attorneys Monday afternoon.

The charges against Aaron Michael Ferrarese, 21, stem from an Aug. 26 incident in which he allegedly set fire to an Apple Valley home in the 14000 block of Fridley Way.

Monday's omnibus hearing was ultimately continued to Jan. 24 but Judge McManus got a chance to give his impressions of the case after being asked to do so by Ferrarese's attorney. 

"There are a lot of things in your history and past that are problematic, both in who you associate with and the way you conduct yourself as a young man," McManus told Ferrarese in open court. 

While McManus stopped short of issuing his decision on whether or not enough evidence exists to bring Ferrarese to trial, he did issue a stern warning.

"At the end of the day, the charges against you are very very serious. The prosecutor is asking for 48 months in prison. When I put someone in prison it's not to rehabilitate them, it's to punish them."

Public defender David Warg painted a much different picture of Ferrarese after the hearing.

"There are a lot of mitigating circumstances in this case. Aaron is an orphan from Russia. He grew up on the streets and in the sewers of Russia before coming here. His mother was a heroin addict and prostitute. He's seen and been exposed to a lot of horrible things," Warg told Patch.

Warg also said he is confident Ferrarese is not a danger to society.

"Aaron's psych eval has indicated that he is not a pyromaniac. The doctor said this was an isolated incident. The information contained in the the pre-plea PSI (pre-sentence investigation) gives a strong argument for long-term chemical and mental health treatment."  

If convicted of all charges against him, the maximum penalty Ferrarese could face is 21 years in prison and a $23,000 fine.