Rhinelander man charged in connection with explosion in Newbold

Cash bond has been set at $15,000 for a Rhinelander man charged with first-degree recklessly endangering safety in connection with an explosion and structure fire in Newbold on Dec. 14.

In addition to recklessly endangering safety, a Class F felony, Ryan Lee Bennett, 30, is also charged with possession of cocaine (second and subsequent offense), a Class I felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to a criminal complaint filed Dec. 20, firefighters responded to a structure fire at a residence on South Ranch Road just after 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14. 

The owner of the residence reported that his guesthouse had blown up and he was unsure if he was wife was inside. Fortunately, his wife was not injured.

According to Newbold fire chief Mark Fetzer, the fire was extinguished in approximately 15 minutes.

In interviews with investigators, the couple advised that Bennett, who is family member, had been living in the guesthouse. They indicated he has a history of substance abuse and was asked to move from the main residence to the guesthouse/cottage due to recent erratic behavior.

Investigation of the scene by members of the state fire marshal’s office resulted in the discovery of a broken copper propane line in the basement of the guesthouse, the complaint states.

The fire marshal’s investigators told officers it appeared the line had been “twisted and flexed to the point of breaking” causing a propane leak.

“The damage to the gas line was consistent with being caused by an intentional act,” the fire marshal’s investigators concluded, according to the complaint.

Drug paraphernalia and residue were also located at the scene, the complaint states.

In an interview with police, Bennett stated he was suffering from drug-induced “psychosis” and did not intend to burn down the residence. He also said he was not aware that a family member was doing laundry near the area where the explosion took place approximately five minutes before the fire broke out.

“(It) wasn’t my intention. No, it was not,” he told officers. “Did my actions cause it? Yup.”

According to court records, Bennett made his initial appearance in Oneida County Circuit Court on Dec. 20 at which time bail was set at $15,000 cash. He is due back in court on Dec. 28.

If convicted of the two felonies, he faces up to 16 years in prison.