Lutsen Resort owner to stand trial on arson, insurance fraud charges

Contributed / Joe Friedrichs By Tom Olsen Today at 11:34 AM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — The owner of Lutsen Resort will stand trial for the February 2024 fire that destroyed the historic North Shore lodge. Judge Michelle Anderson this week found probable cause to support arson and insurance fraud charges against Bryce James Campbell, denying his bid to dismiss the case entirely. ADVERTISEMENT The Canadian businessman, 42, was arrested and charged last December with burning down the iconic building, which he had owned since 2018, and seeking to collect more than $16 million from an insurance company. The defense challenged the allegations, arguing authorities had not provided a "coherent, or any, theory" of how they believe Campbell ignited the fire. He has repeatedly denied responsibility. Contributed / Oakland County Jail Prosecutors acknowledge the case is circumstantial, as are many arson investigations. They have pointed to Campbell’s financial struggles, his statements to other people, and his presence in the building mere minutes before the fire broke out. Anderson stressed that she was not acting as the “ultimate factfinder in this matter.” Rather, at the pretrial stage, she is required to “look at the evidence in the light most favorable to the state” in determining whether it is “fair and reasonable” for the defendant to face a jury. The judge noted Campbell and his businesses were subject to numerous civil suits at the time, which the prosecution argues created a financial motive — further bolstered by his frequent comments, seemingly in jest, about burning things down. Contributed / Edward Vanegas Anderson also cited evidence that smoke was first noticed in the building “within five minutes after (Campbell) was believed to have left the building.” The owner changed his story several times. He initially said he was at home in Two Harbors. He later admitted to driving to the Grand Marais area to meet someone from a dating app, claiming he did not stop at the lodge. Finally, he admitted he did stop at Lutsen, sneaking in through a side door to avoid detection. ADVERTISEMENT “Evidence reveals that he was in the building longer than it would have taken for him to retrieve the item he said he was retrieving from in his office,” Anderson wrote. The judge said the defense “correctly points out that the exact cause of the fire could not be determined.” The state’s theory is that it was intentionally set or that a water heater undergoing repairs was turned on. The defense has faulted prosecutors for ignoring a potential electrical failure. MORE IN CRIME AND COURTS 2 adult foster homes in Horace shuttered after vulnerable residents left without caregiver 6h ago Moorhead man accused in deadly shooting says he's ready for second trial 17h ago 4 family members found in southeast Minnesota fire died from gunshot wounds 19h ago A blue residue found on top of a partially disassembled water heater is also at issue, with the prosecution claiming it may have been an accelerant. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office officially closed the case with an “undetermined” cause. While noting the issues in dispute, Anderson concluded the totality of the evidence is “within reasonable probability.” Campbell is charged with three counts of first-degree arson and one count of insurance fraud, all felonies. He faces a presumptive prison sentence if convicted. The court scheduled a Nov. 30 conference, at which time a trial date will be set. The defense is also expected to seek a change of venue. Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags FIRES NORTH SHORE COOK COUNTY CRIME AND COURTS By Tom Olsen Tom Olsen covers crime and courts and the 8th Congressional District for the Duluth News Tribune since 2013. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth and a lifelong resident of the city. Readers can contact Olsen at 218-723-5333 or [email protected]. Twitter Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Minnesota He missed graduation because he was fighting in Vietnam. 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