Eric Blum
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The man suspected of starting multiple fires in a home occupied by members of a UWSP fraternity is now scheduled for trial in early 2027.
Eric Blum will face a four-day jury trial from January 19th to the 22nd for charges including arson, recklessly endangering safety, and bail jumping. Investigators say he started multiple fires in the home on Main Street, where he was once a tenant.
The 23-year-old had been a member of the Phi Sigma Phi Fraternity, but was recently kicked out. Others in the home said he had been staying there, but wasn’t paying rent.
One witness said he heard Blum talking with others in the house, then saw an “orange glow” from outside his bedroom.
The case had been scheduled for trial this spring, but that was canceled in March. Blum’s bond was also lowered from $150,000 cash to $15,000 cash and $85,000 signature. The modified bond comes with several specific conditions, including a specified cosigner and residency restrictions; he must live in Marathon County and cannot travel to Portage County except for court appearances.
He would also have a full no-contact order against six victims, including no access to their places of work and homes. His bond also includes a dusk-to-dawn curfew, absolute sobriety from drugs and alcohol, and a ban on possessing firearms.
Further court action is scheduled for November 9th and December 18th.
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