The person that’s suspected as the originator of several wildfires in Manitowoc County has been taken into custody and charged with arson.
A months-long investigation by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the Manitowoc County Fire Investigation Unit, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and local volunteer fire departments, was able to narrow down evidence of intentional fire starting to a single suspect, and concluded with an arrest when he was caught in the act.
The apprehension of 57-year-old Kevin J. Staudinger of the Township of Franklin in Manitowoc County took place moments after he was witnessed starting a small grass fire within the Township of Newton. During his arrest on Monday, investigators on-site were able to extinguish the fire before it had a chance to spread in brisk winds, and then transported Staudinger to the Manitowoc County Jail where he’s being held on five felony counts of Arson of Property Other Than a Building.
Following Staudinger’s arrest, investigators executed a search warrant of his residence and retrieved evidence that’s consistent with that collected at previous fire scenes.
A Bail Hearing was held on Tuesday, with a $5,000 Recognizance Bond imposed along with restrictions against the possession of alcohol or fire accelerants. He is scheduled for his initial appearance in Manitowoc County Circuit Court Branch 4 on April 7.
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