Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to 18 Felony Counts of Arson

A South Pasadena man, J.V., recently pled not guilty to all 18 counts of felony arson against him. The 35-year-old man is accused of setting several fires in locations in San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles. Fire department investigators as well as officers with the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force began looking into the incidents in mid-November after several fires were determined to be arson. Police reports state that the fires began as small vegetation fires but then began to involve vehicles and structures. There were 21 arson or attempted arson incidents in total over the last few months and in one case investigators discovered an incendiary device that had not fully burned which proved useful. Police say they were able to lift a finger print from the device which led them to the alleged suspect. Authorities began conducting surveillance on J.V. at that point. He was suspected of being responsible for the nearly two dozen arson incidents since November. He was taken into custody in late April when officers reported observing him setting fire to a car. J.V. allegedly admitted to police that he had set most of the fires but did not want to hurt anyone. Reports also state that a search of his home revealed items that supported the suspicions of investigators. Get the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately if you have been accused of a crime.

Suspect Faces Severe Charges

J.V. is set to be in court for a preliminary hearing on his case in early June. Evidence will be heard at that time so the judge can decide if the case against the suspected arsonist will be taken to trial or not. He has been charged with two felony counts of attempting to burn a structure, forest or property, 10 counts of felony arson of a structure or forest and six counts of felony arson of property of another.

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Arson Cases and other Offenses

Arson is a serious offense punishable by lengthy incarceration, fines, restitution and other possible penalties. If you have been accused of, investigated for or charged with a criminal offense in the San Gabriel Valley then a defense attorney with us at the Law Offices of Richard Sudar may be able to help you avoid these severe penalties. Contact us now to schedule a time to meet and discuss your case and legal options.