Famed NYC sommelier, 35, with stake in popular Manhattan bar is charged with ...

Famed NYC sommelier, 35, with stake in popular Manhattan bar is charged with ...
Famed NYC sommelier, 35, with stake in popular Manhattan bar is charged with ...

A popular sommelier was charged with two felony counts of arson after he was caught setting three fires around New York City beginning in January - including two in outdoor dining areas.

Caleb Ganzer, 35, was caught on security camera footage setting fire to the outdoor dining shed at Prince Street Pizza on July 13 around 3 am. 

The alleged arsonist is a noted wine expert, named one of Food & Wine's 2017 Sommeliers of the Year. He previously worked as the sommelier at New York's Eleven Madison Park, which some critics have called one of the world's best restaurants.

He's not accused of setting fire to any structures connected to La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, the restaurant where he's managing partner. 

Authorities haven't released a possible motive for the arsons. 

In one video, a man, later identified to be Ganzer, walks up to a wooden structure on the empty street. 

Scroll down for video 

Caleb Ganzer, 35, has been charged with two counts of Arson in the third degree, two counts of Criminal Mischief in the third degree, and three counts of Reckless Endangerment in the second degree

Caleb Ganzer, 35, has been charged with two counts of Arson in the third degree, two counts of Criminal Mischief in the third degree, and three counts of Reckless Endangerment in the second degree 

The popular NYC sommelier was caught on surveillance camera setting fire to an outdoor dining area

The popular NYC sommelier was caught on surveillance camera setting fire to an outdoor dining area 

Footage recorded as Ganzer casually walks up to the outdoor structure and lights the two napkin dispensers at each end

Footage recorded as Ganzer casually walks up to the outdoor structure and lights the two napkin dispensers at each end 

He then casually walks away as the structure continues to burn

He then casually walks away as the structure continues to burn 

After checking that he's alone, he nonchalantly pulls out a lighter and sets fire to a napkin dispenser. He then walks over and sets fire to the other napkin dispenser at the opposite end of the shed. 

The arsonist then casually continues walking down the street. 

Officials have also connected Ganzer to two other fires set earlier this year. On June 26, he allegedly started a trash fire at the corner of Broome and Centre Streets. 

The first fire was set back on January 8, when Ganzer set fire to the outdoor dining shed Forsythia restaurant on Stanton Street shortly before midnight.    

Fire officials announced on Wednesday that the sommelier Ganzer had been arrested and charged with two counts of Arson in the third degree, two counts of Criminal Mischief in the third degree, and three counts of Reckless Endangerment in the second degree. 

Forsythia's owner, Jacob Siwak, told the New York Times on Wednesday that a well-dressed man wearing a beanie and a scarf attempted to set fire to the Italian

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