JUNEAU - A 25-year-old Randolph man set fire to a vacant house in September to collect a $50,000 insurance policy, according to police.
Seth R. Braker, 121 Huron St., Randolph, was charged Monday with arson of a building with intent to defraud for allegedly setting fire to a house owned by Randy and Barbara Braker, Seth's parents, at W11682 Concord Road in the town of Westford on Sept. 23.
The home was located on a farmstead outside of Randolph. Randy and Barbara Braker stated in the complaint that they purchased the farm in 2007 through a $450,000 mortgage with Badgerland Financial, and the home was insured for $50,000.
Authorities immediately called the fire suspicious because power to the home was disconnected and it was unoccupied. The Dodge County Sheriff and State Fire Marshall offices investigated the blaze and determined that it was intentionally started in a bathroom, according to the criminal complaint.
Braker initially told authorities that he drove by the residence at approximately 5:40 p.m. and didn't see any smoke or unusual activity. However, a witness reportedly saw him at the property between 5:45 and 5:50 p.m. — just before the fire was reported, according to the criminal complaint.
Det. Robert Neuman also learned that Braker had been fired from his job at Ballweg Implement for embezzling $50,000.
Thomas Ballweg, owner of Ballweg Implement, stated in the complaint that he had reached a $50,000 settlement with Seth, which Randy and Barbara Braker had paid.
Neuman stated in the complaint that he found that amount to be "significant in that the Braker residence which had been set on fire had insurance on it for $50,000."
When Neuman confronted Braker with the witness account and other evidence, Braker reportedly confessed to using a Map gas canister to set fire to a coat hanging in the residence.
Braker stated in the complaint that he hoped he could use the insurance proceeds to repay his parents the $50,000.
Braker was released on signature bond following his initial court appearance Monday. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.