December 5, 2023 – Dodge Co., WI – On November 16, 2023, at approximately 6:19 p.m., the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential fire in the 1100 Block of Madison Street in the town of Beaver Dam, Dodge County. Fire personnel from the Beaver Dam Fire Department informed Dodge County Sheriff’s Office that they believed the fire was suspicious in nature and requested a detective respond to the scene.
As a result of the investigation, Francis Benson, a 39-year-old male from the city of Beaver Dam was arrested. On December 4, 2023, Francis Benson had his initial hearing where he was charged with:
1. Arson of Building w/o Owner’s Consent
2. Burglary- Building or Dwelling
3. 1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
4. Felony Bail Jumping
It is important to remember that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assisting with this investigation were the Beaver Dam Fire Department and the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations. We would like to thank the public and community members who came forward to provide information during this investigation.
Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt
