WEDNESDAY 10/6/2021 6:45 a.m.

(WFRV) – A Menasha man was sentenced to federal prison for setting the Ridgeway VP gas station in Neenah on fire back in Jan. 2021.

According to officials, 28-year-old Christian Crawford was sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Back in Jan., Crawford stole cigarettes, alcohol and other items before setting the gas station on fire.

Some of the items were later found when authorities searched Crawford’s residence. He was later linked to multiple burglaries, thefts, property and drug crimes across Winnebago and Outagamie counties. Those charges were resolved in conjunction with the arson charge.

After his release, Crawford will spend three years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $793,000 in restitution.

Local 5 will update this story if more information is released.

ORIGINAL: Winnebago Co. man charged for setting Neenah gas station on fire

WEDNESDAY 4/14/2021 3:49 p.m.

(WFRV) – A federal grand jury has charged a 28-year-old Winnebago Co. man for setting a building on fire.

According to a release, acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced the indictment of Christian Crawford on April 13.

The indictment alleges that on January 22, 2021, Crawford maliciously damaged the Ridgeway VP gas station in Neenah by setting it on fire. 

If convicted of the charge, Crawford faces a mandatory minimum five-year prison term and a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment. 

He also faces a fine of up to $250,000.

Authorities remind the public that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.