CRIME & LAW

Suspect in Palisades Fire Pleads Not Guilty to Setting Blaze

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles federal court to charges tied to the destructive Palisades fire, which authorities say began as a small New Year’s Day blaze that later rekindled. Arrested Oct. 7, he is accused of maliciously setting a fire that damaged federal property and was indicted on counts of arson affecting interstate commerce and timber set afire. Wearing an off-white jumpsuit and a waist chain, Rinderknecht appeared before Magistrate Judge Rozella A. Oliver. Initially charged in Florida, he briefly asked about detainment before his lawyer intervened, then entered the plea.

Reviewed by JQJO team

#fire #arson #court #guilty #prosecution