The man accused of the December 11, 2024 arson that destroyed the Bidwell Mansion in Chico in a Butte County Superior Court this morning where he entered a plea of No Contest , admitting his guilt as charged to a felony count of Arson of a Structure with use of an Accelerant. Kevin r Carlson, , is then expected to be scheduled for a sentencing hearing where he will face up to 11 years in the state prison.