Court gavel. MWC file photo.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — A man accused of attempted homicide and arson in connection with a house fire in Wisconsin Rapids has a plea deal with the state.
Michael Vandenbergh pleaded no contest to one count of arson on Monday, with the state then dismissing three counts of attempted homicide.
The 31-year-old is accused of setting fire to the front porch of the home on September 12th, 2025. Investigators say he poured an accelerant onto the structure, then lit the fire. Evidence collected at the scene showed the fire wasn’t electrical, and security camera footage from nearby homes showed a person matching Vandenbergh’s description walking in the area at the time.
Three people were home at the time. They managed to escape out a back door. Investigators note that he had a connection to them.
A judge accepted the plea, found Vandenbergh guilty, then ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Sentencing is scheduled for November 20th at 1:30 PM.
He faces up to 25 years in prison and 15 years on extended supervision, with the possibility of additional time due to his status as a repeat offender.
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