Property owner charged, allegedly drunk outside home during historic Burlington mansion fire
BURLINGTON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Charges were filed on Wednesday, Nov. 27 against the owner of a well-loved, historic Burlington mansion that caught fire just months after he bought the place. Police found Robert Staton in a vehicle outside the home and allegedly drunk as the mansion burned Friday morning.
Prosecutors say Staton knew the home's fireplaces had limitations, but he ignored that, and set fire to all four, and when police got on scene, he urged them to make an arrest because he believed an arsonist was inside.
"201 South Kane Street, 201 S. Kane. Our caller says someone's trashing his house and starting a fire. He says he can see flames," said dispatch via Broadcastify.
Those flames took down one of Burlington's most treasured homes, and broke hearts.
"I'm just emotional because, I mean, somebody else could've gotten hurt besides this home and I'm glad nobody got hurt," said Marie Gutierrez.
Five days later, people continue to show up taking photos in disbelief.
"So, you're seeing a lot of grief. I think the area around that home has been a bit like a funeral procession," said Burlington Mayor Jon Schultz.
In court Wednesday, a judge ordered the homeowner, Robert Staton, held on a $15,000 cash bond.
"Mr. Staton burned his house to the ground. It's uninhabitable endangering every single firefighter or professional who went in there and tried to put the fire out," said Brooke Erickson, prosecutor.
Court documents allege a day before the fire, Staton spotted the city's fire inspector at a KFC drive through and said, "Thank you for your service," then handed him a $100 bill. Staton then allegedly said, "If my house at 201 Kane Street ever catches fire, just let it burn!"
"I'll avoid speculating. I mean we all think what we think but we have a process in America, and we have to go through the process," said Mayor Schultz.
Staton and his wife bought the home this summer and Mayor Schultz tells us they soon started renovations.
"Neighbors noticed there was a lot of materials coming out of the home including you know historic old doors, trim work," said Mayor Schultz.
The city ordered work to stop until he got a permit. They received an application from Stanton, but details about the work were left blank.
"It seems a little strange and more so given there was a stop work order, right, he couldn't continue without a permit so one would think he might be motivated to follow the process that's in place," said Mayor Schultz.
Because Staton was out on bond on a domestic violence case, what would've been a misdemeanor charge in this is now a felony. His next court date is Dec. 5.