Rothschild Man Reaches Plea Deal for Two Counts of Arson

Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 -- 10:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) A Rothschild man reached a plea deal for two counts of Arson.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Kenneth Taylor pled guilty to the charges on Tuesday. Charges stem from an August 2024 incident at the Rothschild Pavilion, where the 54-year-old set fire to several buildings, including the Wausau Noon Optimist Club Elephant Ear Stand.

Fires were also set at a shed near the Pavilion and the Tidal Wave Car Wash in Weston. Taylor reportedly told investigators he had started the fires to “make a statement.” He was found walking near the Pavilion as first responders were working the scene.

Judge Scott Corbett dismissed two additional counts as part of a plea deal, and Taylor was found guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. He will be committed to the State Department of Health Services for 10 years as part of his sentence.

Taylor will remain in custody at the Marathon County Jail while awaiting a competency evaluation.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.