Rochester woman pleads guilty to two arson fires

Jessica Ann Kuhlmann, 46, has entered guilty pleas in Olmsted County to felony counts of first-degree arson and terroristic threats. The charges stem from two separate fires set at a Rochester duplex last year.

The first incident occurred on Christmas Eve, when Kuhlmann was caught on a Ring doorbell camera placing burning paper on the front doorstep of the residence. A resident was able to extinguish the fire and restrain Kuhlmann in an alley until police arrived. Kuhlmann admitted to starting the fire, stating her intent was to scare a female victim due to an ongoing dispute.

Kuhlmann also admitted to starting a second fire at the same duplex in late September. Under the terms of her plea agreement, a second charge of first-degree arson will be dismissed.