A Burlington man is facing allegations of arson for the devastating blaze that destroyed the historic Meinhardt mansion. Robert A. Staton, 65, was charged with negligent handling of burning materials and two counts of felony bail jumping last Wednesday, as reported by TMJ4. If found guilty of these charges, Staton could see more than a dozen years behind bars.
The fire, which occurred last week, has left the Burlington community reeling. Neighbors and passersby have been gathering at the site, looking upon the remains, and mourning the loss of what once was, an integral part of Burlington's architectural heritage. "It’s just sad you know," Mark Leemkuil, an area neighbor, told TMJ4, "It’s all very sad to think what was there before, and how they’re probably going to have to tear it down now."
According to the criminal complaint, Staton admitted to lighting fires in the mansion’s fireplaces. These actions eventually led to the structure's destruction, endangering firefighters and other emergency personnel who responded to the scene. "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," prosecutor Brooke Erickson stated in court, as noted by FOX6 News.
The layers of mystery and concern are compounded by Staton's behavior immediately preceding the fire. Found in a vehicle outside his home and reportedly inebriated as firefighters battled the flames. Police were alerted to the mansion fire by Staton himself, who initially claimed 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," dispatch relayed via Broadcastify, according to CBS58. The aftermath has prompted locals to continue to visit the site, with Burlington Mayor Jon Schultz noting, "So, you're seeing a lot of grief. I think the area around that home has been a bit like a funeral procession," in an interview with CBS58.
Further complicating the narrative are details surrounding Staton's interaction with a fire inspector the day before the fire, where he allegedly remarked, "If my house at 201 Kane Street ever catches fire, just let it burn!" as mentioned by CBS58. In light of his ongoing domestic violence case, the would-be misdemeanor charges have escalated to felonies. Staton's next court appearance is set for December 5, at which point more details may be revealed about this tragic event that has shaken the core of the Burlington community.
