A Manitowoc man charged with starting a garage fire in 2021 has been sentenced.
58-year-old Charles Cantrell III pleaded no contest to criminal trespass to a dwelling and negligent handling of burning material.
The fire is believed to have started in a detached building of a vacant residence on Mero Street and spread to other occupied dwellings nearby, causing significant damage.
No one was hurt.
While Manitowoc Police were doing surveillance at other businesses that day found Cantrell on Mero Street and started to question him.
He would admit to accidentally starting the fire to stay warm because he was homeless at the time.
He was sentenced to two years’ probation in the matter.
He must also maintain absolute sobriety and go through mental health counseling when asked.
