Michael Vandenbergh
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — A La Farge man accused of attempted homicide and arson in connection with a house fire in Wisconsin Rapids appears to have a plea deal with the state.
Court records show a plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for Michael Vandenberg, who is accused of setting fire to a home on 17th Avenue in September 2025.
Investigators say the 30-year-old poured an accelerant on the front porch of the home, then lit the fire, noting that nothing in the burn patterns suggested that the blaze was electrical in nature or started by another source. Security camera footage from other homes in the neighborhood showed a person matching Vandenberg’s description in the area at the time of the fire.
Those inside escaped unharmed. Investigators added that they were known to Vandenberg.
Vandenberg previously pled not guilty to three counts of attempted homicide and one count of arson. Terms of the plea deal are expected to be announced on September 21st.
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