Woman accused of sparking massive Milwaukee fire makes first court appearance
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Twenty-two-year-old Ellen Stevens appeared in court on a charge of negligent handling of burning material, a Class A misdemeanor tied to last week’s fire near 32nd St. and Hampton Avenue.
“This is a Class A misdemeanor,” Court Commissioner Maria Dorsey said in court. “If you're later convicted of this offense, you may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than nine months, or both.”
The criminal complaint says Stevens admitted she had been exploring the vacant four-story building with friends before the fire started.
Investigators say she tossed a cigarette through an opening in the roof and later noticed smoking debris inside the structure.
According to the complaint, Stevens later posted on Snapchat saying she “may or may not have lit [the building] on fire today on accident.”
During Tuesday’s hearing, Dorsey entered a not guilty plea on Stevens’ behalf because she does not yet have legal representation.
“Since you're unrepresented, the court will enter a not guilty plea on your behalf,” Dorsey said.
The fire caused extensive damage to the abandoned building and led to a partial collapse while firefighters battled the flames.
Demolition crews remain at the scene, where much of the structure has already been torn down. The area remains fenced off as crews continue clearing the site.
Stevens was released on a $250 cash bond and told her bail conditions.
“As a condition of your bail, you cannot possess any burning materials,” Dorsey told Stevens in court. “That includes cigarettes or cigars or anything of that nature.”
Stevens responded, “Yes I do,” when asked whether she understood the conditions.
Stevens declined to comment after court. Her next court date is scheduled for July 7.