Minnesota — After a roughly year-long investigation, charges have been filed in the case regarding a fire that destroyed a historic lakeshore resort.
WDIO 10 reports that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Bureau of Criminal Apprehension arrested Bryce James Campbell and charged him with arson and insurance fraud. The authorities are claiming that the indebted Campbell set the building on fire. The arson charge could result in up to 20 years in prison. The insurance fraud charge also carries a maximum of 20 years in the cell. He could also face fines of up to $35,000 for the arson and $100,000 for the insurance fraud.
There are various pieces of evidence that led to this indictment. The night of the fire, the General Manager and his husband were unable to reach Campbell for hours.
His husband reportedly tried calling Campbell around 30 times in the early morning, but received no response. Eventually, Bryce began chatting with his husband. A phone call and Facebook messages shared between Campbell and his husband that morning also showed him concerned about being charged.
Authorities also discovered that Campbell searched online for “Sterno-fuel,” “fondue fuel btu,” and “swissmar.” Also, security footage was able to track the individual’s steps that night.
“In committing this selfish criminal act, Mr. Campbell considered his own personal benefit over the lives and livelihoods of the people he employed, while at same time destroying a treasured Minnesota landmark,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans.
He purchased the hotel back in 2018. By 2023, the property’s insurance plan had grown to $13.5 million. However, his debt was also rapidly growing. Campbell reportedly had greater than $14 million in business debt before allegedly starting the fire.
About The Lutsen Lodge
The Lutsen Lodge first opened back in 1885. Situated next to Lake Superior, the resort’s location drew many visitors. Fires have unfortunately been a part of the resort’s history. Fires destroyed the property in 1949 and 1951, with the latest iteration of the building opening in 1955.
A key thing to note before concluding this article: this hotel is not affiliated with Lutsen Mountains, a nearby ski resort in Minnesota. I’m pointing this out because they have similar names, and I don’t want to be hearing from anyone’s lawyers.
Image/Video Credits: Minnesota Department of Public Safety, WDIO 10
