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Man convicted in synagogue arson sought after leaving treatment facility

A warrant has been issued for 36-year-old Matthew Amiot, who was last seen at the Churches United in Ministry (CHUM) treatment center in Duluth.
Credit: KARE

DULUTH, Minn. — The man convicted of starting the fire that burned down a historic Duluth synagogue is now considered a fugitive after leaving a treatment facility without permission. 

A warrant has been issued for 36-year-old Matthew Amiot, who was last seen at the Churches United in Ministry (CHUM) treatment center on the 100 block of West Second Street. He was there after being sentenced in the arson fire that destroyed Adas Israel Congregation Synagogue on Sept. 9. His family said at the time that Amiot has been homeless for years, and deals with mental illness. He allegedly started a fire to keep warm and it jumped to the old wooden building. 

RELATED: Charges: Homeless man accidentally set Duluth synagogue on fire

Amiot received a one-year sentence at the Minnesota Correctional Facility at St. Cloud, but the judge stayed that sentence if Amiot would complete a high-intensity chemical dependency treatment. He was enrolled in the Port Bethel program and completed his assessment, but left the facility around noon on Nov. 4 and hasn't been seen since. 

The court has moved to vacate Amiot's sentence after the parole violation, which means he will be imprisoned in St. Cloud for a year once he is taken into custody. 

Matthew Amiot is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and 245 pounds, with thinning brown hair and brown eyes. If you see him call Duluth Police.  

RELATED: Man sentenced in Duluth synagogue fire

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