FDL Man Enters “Not Guilty” Plea to Arson Charge

A 58-year-old Fond du Lac man charged with arson for starting
a fire at a vacant home earlier this month has pleaded “not guilty”. Merlin
Jolin entered the plea in Fond du Lac County Court on Friday. He faces five counts
– four of which are felonies, including the arson charge.

Witnesses saw Jolin enter the home on Allen Street the
afternoon of December 16^th, then discovered he had started a fire on
top of the stove using cardboard boxes. Jolin ran from the scene, but was
arrested by police a block away from the home. Jolin admitted to police that he
started the fire, saying he did so to get warm.

In court Friday, Jolin also waived his right to a
preliminary hearing. Online court records do not list a trial date.