A serial arsonist from Sauk County has been sentenced

SAUK COUNTY, WIS (CIVIC MEDIA) – A serial arsonist from Sauk County has been sentenced. Christopher J. Steinmetz, 41 of Reedsburg, has been sentenced to a total prison sentence of 45 years, consisting of 30 years of initial confinement followed by 15 years of extended supervision, for the targeted arson of a Lake Delton home and the reckless endangerment of the family in the home. 

The convictions stem from an incident where Steinmetz deliberately set fire to the residence of a family related to his former girlfriend while two adults and three children were inside. The fire consumed the home in minutes, forcing the family to escape from a second-story window, travel along the garage roof, and jump down to safety. The home was a total loss and the fire resulted in the death of the family dog. 

The jury found Steinmetz guilty of Arson, five Counts of First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, and Felony Criminal Damage to Property. The trial presented extensive evidence that Steinmetz was a serial arsonist, including proof of multiple other fires he set at the home of other members of the ex-girlfriend’s family and one at his own mother’s home.

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