Man who burned truck given two years' probation
EAU CLAIRE — A man charged in Eau Claire County after authorities responded to a vehicle fire avoided an immediate jail term, but still faces legal exposure in Trempealeau County. Connor Koxlien, 31, Strum, pleaded guilty to arson of property other than a building. The court stayed his 90-day sentence in favor of two years’ probation. The case began in January, after a report of a vehicle fire at Highway 53 and Otter Creek Road in Washington Township. Officers who responded found Koxlien nearby. According to the criminal complaint, he was disoriented and confused, but told them he had started the fire. He wasn’t sure how he arrived at his location. The truck was owned by Koxlien’s father’s business in Trempealeau County, leading to charges there as well. He faces charges of theft of movable property valued between $10,000 and $100,000 and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. Those charges carry higher potential penalties than the Eau Claire County case. A plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for later this month.
Eau Claire County, WI · 14h
