Former Kirksville mayor convicted in arson case

ST. LOUIS -- A former Kirksville mayor was convicted Thursday on federal arson charges for starting a fire that destroyed her restaurant, said federal prosecutor Catherine Hanaway.

Deborah Masten, 52, was found guilty of a felony count of maliciously damaging real and personal property by fire.

The jury returned the verdict after an eight-day trial in federal court in St. Louis. Masten faces five to 20 years in prison and possible fines. Her sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. July 27.

Masten and her husband, Steve, owned Too Talls Two Eatery and Spirits when the fire broke out early New Year's Day 2005. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and state fire marshal's office determined the blaze was suspicious, prompting an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

The building was badly damaged, but the gathering place, popular among students at Truman State University, was able to reopen.

Masten sold the restaurant and bar and resigned as mayor in August 2005, saying she planned to move out of Kirksville to pursue other opportunities. Her term would have expired in April 2006.

Masten was elected to the City Council in April 2003 and became mayor a year later in a 3-2 vote by the council, which selects the mayor from its members.

Kirksville, with roughly 17,000 residents, is about 180 miles northwest of St. Louis.