Man pleads ‘no contest’ to arson after setting mattress on fire inside home

Dwyer

Man pleads ‘no contest’ to arson after setting mattress on fire inside home

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor

HART — William Rhody Dwyer, 54, pleaded “no contest” in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Feb. 27, to third-degree arson after setting a mattress on fire inside a Golden Township home.

“He was renting a house in the northern part of the county, and he set a mattress on fire,” said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. “A substantial portion of the home was consumed in the fire.” No one was injured in the Dec. 13, 2021 blaze. 

“Based on the police report, he was either under the effects of some kind of substance or a mental health issue. It appeared he was having an altered thought process that led him to make poor decisions.”

Guidelines in the case are 0-17 months, and restitution to pay for damages will be sought. 

Dwyer’s address with the court is as listed 405 S. Third Ave., Big Rapids. 

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