–Officials with POET Bioprocessing in Emmetsburg are now offering a $10,000 reward to try and find those responsible for a fire at their facility last month.
According to the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies received the report of a fire in the stackyards at the POET Bioprocessing facility around 10:46 PM on Monday, May 12th. As fire officials and law enforcement began an investigation of the incident, it was determined that foul play was likely, and the fire is being treated as an act of arson.
POET Officials say the incident resulted in approximately $5 Million worth of losses in corn stover, and while no injuries were reported, they still want to bring the guilty parties to justice.
In a statement released Thursday night, POET Bioprocessing-Emmetsburg General Manager Benjamin Gustafson says “This is a serious criminal act that put people and property at risk, and we are working with local law enforcement to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The company is offering the $10,000 reward for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for starting the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office by calling 712-852-3535.
