Wausau Man Reaches Plea Deal for 2025 Garage Fire

Friday, January 9th, 2026 -- 1:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) One day before he was scheduled for trial, a Wausau man has reached a plea deal in connection with an early 2025 garage fire.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, David Oldenburg Jr. pleaded no contest to recklessly endangering safety, possession of methamphetamine, and resisting an officer on Wednesday.

A judge then found him guilty, while dismissing numerous other counts. Charges stem from a fire in Oldenburg’s garage in February 2025, which threatened nearby homes.

The 57-year-old told officers he stepped outside for a cigarette before the flames started, but later admitted that he set the fire in a wood-burning stove. Oldenburg had previously been warned about starting fires in his garage.

Investigators also found meth in his possession while they were investigating the fire. The deal covers three open cases. Charges that were dismissed include retail theft, carrying a concealed knife, negligent handling of burning materials, and bail jumping.

Those charges can be considered at sentencing, which is scheduled for March 4th. He faces up to 13.5 years in prison at sentencing, with the possibility of additional time due to his status as a repeat offender.

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