Man Pleads Not Guilty in Palisades Fire Case

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles to federal charges tied to the Palisades Fire, one of California's most destructive wildfires. A judge ordered him held pending trial; he appeared agitated, asking to speak as the ruling was made. Federal officials say a small New Year's Day blaze he allegedly set smoldered underground and re-ignited nearly a week later, sweeping through Pacific Palisades and Malibu, killing 12. Arrested in Florida on Oct. 7, he now faces additional charges and up to 20 years in federal prison. His lawyer argues firefighters failed to extinguish the "holdover" fire.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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