Roseau Times-Region - Serving Roseau County for over 100 Years - The Official Roseau County Newspaper

On Monday, Laird Joseph Mertens, 67, appeared in Courtroom One at the Roseau County Courthouse for the conclusion of the criminal charge of negligent fires in regards to his apartment building fire in Badger on March 2, 2016.

Speaking afterwards, Assistant Roseau County attorney Michael Grover explained how the case was resolved.

"Essentially, he agreed to what is called an Alford plea in which he does not admit guilt but he admits the evidence is there that he could potentially be found guilty at trial," said Mr. Grover.

"So, he wanted to take the benefit of a plea bargain, and the Alford...