Former Firefighter Accused of Starting 2023 Oronoco Shed Fire

Oronoco, MN (KROC-AM News)- A former firefighter has been charged in connection to an Olmsted County fire that happened almost three years ago. 

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The criminal complaint, filed in Olmsted County Court on Monday, says the nearly three year investigation involved a review of security camera footage, collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, an investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and cell phone data. 

Arson Charge Filed in 2023 Oronoco Shed Fire

A shed was torched in a fire that happened around 12:30 a.m. on September 30, 2023. The fire broke out at a property near the intersection of Center St. and Minnesota Ave. in Oronoco. 

An official damage estimate was not given, however the complaint indicates the fire inflicted more than $1,000 in damages.

Read More: State Fire Marshal Investigating Oronoco Shed Fire 

The complaint also says two lawn mowers that had been unused were in the shed and that the shed did not have an electrical hookup or gasoline inside.  

Footage from a nearby camera showed a person wearing a dark colored ski mask, dark coat, gloves, and jeans walking up to the structure holding what appeared to be crumpled newspaper.

The complaint also says the same person was seen walking away from the shed empty handed prior to the fire being spotted. 

Wabasha Investigator Provides ID of Suspect

An Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office investigator, who was aware of several unsolved arson fires in southeast Minnesota, shared images captured by the camera with other law enforcement agencies. 

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A Wabasha detective and a former Oronoco firefighter indicated the person filmed was 45-year-old Sean Lee Culver. The complaint says Culver served as a member of the Oronoco Fire Department until late 2005. 

Investigators reviewed five fire calls placed from July of 2003 through August of 2022 and identified the voice of the reporting party as Culver, the complaint says. 

Warrant Obtained for Phone Data

Authorities obtained a warrant for Culver’s phone data and found his phone was in the area of the fire around the time it had started, the court document indicates. 

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Investigators spoke with Culver who said he was in the area to buy drugs and claimed he was not responsible for the fire, the complaint says. 

State Fire Marshal's Findings

An investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was intentionally set and was caused by the ignition of combustible material, according to the court document. 

Court records indicate Culver was sentenced to five years probation and a day in jail last September for a burglary of Oronoco Shell Gas 'N Go. 

The complaint says the person filmed prior to the fire had a similar build to Culver, who was seen on video in the business burglary. 

Culver is charged via summons with second-degree arson. He’s due to make his first court appearance next month.