Burlington man accused of burning down his historic mansion

On November 28, 2024By Pranco

A 65-year-old man has been charged with burning down his historic mansion in Burlington.

Robert A. Staton was charged Wednesday in connection with the fire that occurred last week. Staton is charged with negligent handling of burning material, as well as two counts of bail jumping.

You can read the full criminal complaint here.

If convicted of the charges, Staton faces more than 12 years in prison.

There was no shortage of visitors on Kane Street in Burlington Saturday afternoon, visiting the remains of a still smoldering building.

The historic Meinhardt Mansion was destroyed by fire on Friday, leaving community members shocked and devastated by the loss.

“It’s just sad, you know,” said neighbor Mark Leemkuil. “It’s all very sad to think what was there before, and how they’re probably going to have to tear it down now.”

Leemkuil said he was awakened by sirens early Friday morning as Burlington Fire was working to extinguish the flames.

It was difficult for people like Lynn Grieve to see the building with extensive damage.

Watch: Fire destroys historic home in Burlington:

“Shocked and amazed that this could happen.” Fire destroys historic home in Burlington

Grieve was born and raised in Burlington, and she said virtually every resident of the area has a memory tied to the mansion.

“We’re just all attached to it,” she said. “It’s beautiful, you know, a beautiful, beautiful house inside and out.”

Lynn Grieve was born and raised in Burlington.

On Saturday they announced Staton’s arrest.

“It’s actually a monument,” Grieve said. “I was just here last week admiring the Halloween decorations they put up, and a week later, poof!

The mansion is no longer notable for its beauty, but for its charred remains. The community is left with only memories of the house’s former glory.

Talk to us:

Hey there! TMJ4 News is all about listening to our audience and tackling the issues that really matter to you. Do you have a story idea, tip or just want to talk about this piece? Contact us using the form below. Visit tmj4.com/tips for more ways to get in touch.

It’s time to watch your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching “TMJ4” on your device.

Available to download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and more.

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip

Talk to us:

It’s time to watch your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching “TMJ4” on your device.

Available to download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and more.

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip