2nd brother accused of starting Minn. meatpacking plant fire pleads guilty

2nd brother pleads guilty in Minn. meatpacker fire

MILWAUKEE — The second of two Minnesota brothers accused of starting a fire that caused $50 million to a meatpacking plant has pleaded guilty.

Prosecutors say 25-year-old Kurtis Popp pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of second-degree recklessly endangering public safety.

Prosecutors say Popp fired a military flare on July 5 that his brother had given him. The flare landed on a roof at the Patrick Cudahy Inc. meatpacking plant and ignited the fire.

Prosecutors agree to recommend up to a year in the House of Correction, three years probation, community service and a stayed prison sentence.

Popp’s sentencing is scheduled Oct. 26.

His 23-year-old brother, Joshua Popp, pleaded guilty in a similar agreement and will be sentenced Oct. 8.