Felony charges follow investigation
Brandon Z. Kreger, 42, New London, is charged with solicitation of the unsafe burning of another’s building and misdemeanor bail jumping.
David L. Maust, 32, Waupaca, is charged with conspiracy to commit unsafe burning of another’s building.
According to the criminal complaints, Waupaca firefighters and police were dispatched to a mobile home fire in the 600 block of Oak Street.
The fire destroyed the trailer and heat from the fire caused damage to the siding of a neighboring trailer.
Investigators learned that the trailer was vacant and its owner, Kreger, had been evicted from the lot.
There were tire marks in the snow in front of the trailer.
Security camera images showed a van that was frequently driven by Maust.
“Photographs of the tires of this van were taken and compared to the tire impressions from the fire scene and appeared to match the impressions,” the complaints say.
Maust told investigators that Kreger offered to pay him $100 to start the fire.
He allegedly started the trailer fire by using a lighter to burn a mattress.
Kreger, who lives in a homeless shelter, and Maust were released on $1,500 signature bonds.