Albert Lea arson defendant enters guilty plea in arson case
Kaden Ashenfelter / Freeborn County Jail
(ABC 6 News) – UPDATE: Kaden James Ashenfelter pleaded guilty to an amended charge of aiding and abetting 2nd-degree arson in Freeborn County Court Thursday.
According to his plea agreement, Ashenfelter will receive a recommended charge of 90 days in jail with work release, 5 years’ probation, and 200 hours of community service — 50 of which shall be served with Albert Lea’s Fire Department.
Ashenfelter’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 13.
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(ABC 6 News) – The third of four Albert Lea arson suspects has a new plea hearing scheduled in Freeborn County Court.
Kaden James Ashenfelter pleaded not guilty to a charge of aiding and abetting 1st-degree arson in December of 2023.
RELATED: Two more arrested in connection with Albert Lea suspected arson – ABC 6 News – kaaltv.com
Ashenfelter was scheduled to stand trial on the charge Monday, Aug. 19. He is now scheduled to appear for the plea hearing Sept. 5.
Co-defendants Hailey Merrill and Kolton Wright pleaded guilty earlier this year.
A fourth defendant, Zachary Michael Hamilton, was charged as an adult in the arson case in March of 2024.
RELATED: 4th Albert Lea arson suspect charged as adult – ABC 6 News – kaaltv.com
Hamilton’s arson trial was also scheduled to begin Aug. 19, but was rescheduled with a pretrial hearing Oct. 11 and a new trial Oct. 18.