Woonsocket man faces arson, insurance fraud charges tied to 2025 fire

WOONSOCKET, S.D. — An 83-year-old Woonsocket man faces two felony charges after prosecutors accused him of setting a fire to damage property and collect insurance proceeds. Wayne T. Feistner is charged with second-degree arson and fraudulent insurance acts in Sanborn County. Both charges are Class 4 felonies, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Third Judicial Circuit. The complaint alleges Feistner started a fire or caused an explosion on or about July 20, 2025, with the intent to damage property and collect insurance proceeds. The second charge alleges he knowingly presented, caused to be presented or prepared statements in support of an insurance claim that contained false, incomplete or misleading material information, with the intent to defraud or deceive. An arrest warrant was issued for Feistner on Oct. 7. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Nov. 16.

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