View this article online: https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/midwest/2009/03/04/98366.htm
A Hayward, Wisconsin tavern owner has been found guilty of burning his business to collect more than $250,000 in insurance money.
U.S Attorney Erik Peterson’s office says a federal jury found 39-year-old Philip Lathrop guilty of arson and mail fraud.
Prosecutors say Lathrop owned Player’s Sports Bar & Grill. It burned down on Aug. 16, 2003, a day before Lathrop’s insurance on the place expired and his premiums were set to increase. He collected $253,000 for his losses.
Investigators say Lathrop hired Dave Maki to burn the bar down for $5,000 and some cocaine. Maki’s case is still pending in Washburn County Circuit Court.
Lathrop is set to be sentenced May 8.