ST PAUL, Minn. — A man convicted of arson during the uprising following the murder of George Floyd will get another chance to reduce his sentence following an appeals court victory .

Montez Lee pleaded guilty to arson after he was caught on camera pouring accelerant on the maXit Pawn Shop on Lake Street and Cedar Avenue and lighting the building on fire. The body of 30-year-old Oscar Stewart was later found in the rubble, which resulted in an enhanced sentence for Lee.

In November 2024, Lee filed an appeal with the U.S. 8th District Court of Appeals, challenging his 10-year sentence and claiming his original attorney agreed to the enhanced sentence without his consent. Lee and his attorney, Kira Kelley, said the federal prison where Lee is serving his sentence refused to let them meet,

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