Lutsen Resort Fire: Owner Charged With Arson And Fraud

You know what? We have obviously heard about people doing this from time to time. Owners of businesses run into some financial trouble and then look to how they can bail themselves out of their predicament and look to a quick fix. "Hey, I have a business with a big insurance policy. Let's get rid of it and collect the insurance money!" This never works out the way they hope. Forensic science has come way too far in recent years for this plan to actually work out in the owner's favor.

THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME WE'VE HEARD OF THIS IN MINNESOTA

Just think about what happened with the Press Bar and Parlor in 2019. That one didn't work out either.

Bryce Campbell, the owner of Lutsen Resort Lodge, has been charged with arson and insurance fraud in the fire that happened in February of last year. He purchased the resort back in 2018 for just over $6 million dollars. Right now he is in a Michigan County Jail awaiting transfer back to Minnesota.

EVIDENCE FOUND ALMOST A YEAR LATER BRINGS CHARGES

From KARE 11

According to the charges, a staff member called Campbell more than 30 times after discovering the smoke and fire at the resort on Feb. 6, 2024. On Feb. 5, Campbell allegedly texted his partner that he was driving a Ford Explorer from the resort. Surveillance footage from a deputy responding to the fire showed an SUV matching the vehicle's description driving in the opposite direction.

DESPERATION CAN MAKE PEOPLE DO CRAZY THINGS

Apparently Campbell was severely in debt. This is not a surprise. When something like this happens, obviously there are financial concerns. The question is always - why wouldn't you try and sell the business instead of resorting to this action? You have to think that this is not going to end up going in your favor.

According to the charges, in late January 2024, a local service provider replaced a small section of piping because a pipe burst and glycol leaked. Phone records allegedly show Campbell then searched on the internet: “glycol VS water,” “will glycol leak more than water,” “Can water leak into glycol through the heater exchange."

HISTORY RUINED IN MINNESOTA

Unfortunately, Lutsen resort was a complete loss. A historic ski resort here in Minnesota, and all of the history is gone. It's tragic. And now made worse by finding out that the fire was intentially set. The resort dates back to 1885.

Arson in Minnesota carries a possible sentence of 20 years plus major fines.