Eric Blum
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The man suspected of setting fire to a rental home in Stevens Point will not stand trial in early 2027 as scheduled.
Eric Blum is accused of starting the fire after an argument in the spring of 2024. Investigators said he had been living in the home, but was not paying rent. The fire caused significant damage and left occupants scrambling to find housing late in the spring semester.
Members of the UWSP Phi Sigma Phi fraternity were living in the home. A statement from the national organization said Blum had also been a member, but his membership had been revoked. Additionally, the home was owned and managed by a local company and not Phi Sigma Phi.
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Blum, 24, faces felony counts of arson and recklessly endangering safety. Court records show a count of felony bail jumping has also been filed against him.
He remains free on a $100,000 cash bond subject to strict conditions. Blum is barred from Portage County except for court appearances, employment, or direct travel to destinations such as the VA Clinic. He must reside in Marathon County and abide by a 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM curfew.
A new trial date has not been set. If convicted on all counts, Blum faces more than 30 years in prison.
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