The owner of a diner in Columbia was given an arrest warrant by a Butler County court on Tuesday. This is the second warrant in a week.
In Butler County, Crystal Umfress is charged with setting a fire at Casa Maria’s Mexican Cantina in Columbia. Lawyers for the government said she paid someone to burn down a restaurant in Kennett in July 2023. The order that was issued on Tuesday was for failing to show up.
On Tuesday, the judge also took away Umfress’s bond and set a new one of $100,000 cash only, with transfer across the country.
On September 18, Umfress was charged with forgery and filing false papers in Dunklin County. Investigators said she faked being an elected official to try to get other companies investigated and have their liquor licenses taken away.
Even though charges were brought against Umfress in Dunkilin County, she has not been arrested.
