Rochester Woman Charged in Second Arson Case Stemming From Duplex Fires

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- For the second time in less than four months, a Rochester woman has been charged in connection with a fire at a Rochester duplex. 

Read More: Woman Accused of Starting Fire at Rochester Duplex on Christmas Eve 

She was charged in the first arson case late last year. Court documents allege she started two fires at the same duplex. 

Rochester police arrested her following the second fire, which was extinguished on Christmas Eve last year. 

Rochester Woman Charged for September 2025 Fire at Duplex

46-year-old Jessica Ann Kuhlmann is now facing first-degree arson charges in two cases. 

The newest criminal complaint stems from the first fire, which she allegedly started on September 26 of last year at a duplex along 11th Ave. NE. 

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A female who was inside of the home at the time told Rochester police she had jumped out of a second-floor window after being awakened to fire on the wooded front stoop of the duplex. 

An investigation conducted by the Rochester Fire Department determined the fire was intentionally set. The fire caused $4500 in damages, the complaint says. 

See Also: From Hills to Cul-de-Sacs: Inside Rochester's Snow Removal Secrets 

A male living in the duplex told police that Kuhlman had previously resided at the home but had been evicted in March of 2024. 

Kuhlman was released without bail following her arrest for the Christmas Eve fire. 

The criminal complaint in that case says she had lit a piece of paper on fire on the front stoop of the home. The incident was captured by a door bell camera.  

Kuhlman was charged via warrant for the September fire. Court records indicate law enforcement served the warrant on Thursday. 

Kuhlman made her first court appearance in the new arson case on Thursday and was released without bail again. She’s due back in court later this month.