L.A. Arsonist Now Facing 63 More Counts

Police have accused a German national of setting dozens of fires that led to a three-day wave of fires in Los Angeles that caused an estimated $3 million in damages over the New Year's weekend. The man now faces another 63 criminal accounts in addition to the existing 37 counts of arson. Investigators say that the man set the fires out of rage against Americans and that he intended to harm as many residents of Los Angeles as possible.

The man was taken into custody after a tip from a member of the U.S. Department Diplomatic Security field office, and police used security camera footage showing a man of his resemblance leaving the scene of several fires to link him to the crime. Police and law enforcement authorities treat crimes of arson very seriously, and if convicted this man may face penalties such as $500,000 in fines or 16 months to 9 years in prison.

There is a wide range of consequences for arson crimes in the state of California, depending on whether the arson is classified as a misdemeanor reckless burning, felony arson or aggravated arson. Those who are under investigation for committing arson should immediately contact a Los Angeles arson lawyer who can protect their rights in court. It is likely that the German man responsible for the recent fires in Los Angeles will face maximum penalties unless he has help from a skilled Los Angeles criminal attorney.