Marathon County Man Suspected of Starting Fires Appears in Court

Monday, August 12th, 2024 -- 1:01 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The man suspected of starting three fires in the Rothschild and Weston areas made a court appearance.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Kenneth Taylor is facing four counts of arson after investigators say he set multiple structures on fire early that morning. It started with a fire at the Wausau Noon Optimist Elephant Ear stand, which was set up at the Rothschild Pavilion as part of an event.

Fires were also started in an unoccupied shed near the Pavilion that was part of a display. The third fire was started in a box at the Tidal Wave Carwash in Weston. Police arrested Taylor Thursday afternoon and according to investigators he admitted to starting the fires with a lighter to “make a statement.” Officers add that he was seen walking near the Pavilion as they were putting out the first fire.

The 53-year-old is held in the Marathon County Jail on a $25,000 bond. Should he post the cash he will not be allowed to have contact with the alleged victims including the Pavilion and Noon Optimists and would be subject to level 4 supervision including drug tests.

He has also been ordered to have a full competency evaluation from the Wisconsin Forensic Unit. He faces more than 80 years in prison if found guilty, including 40 years for each count of arson of a building without the owner’s consent. A review hearing has been scheduled for next Tuesday.

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