2 face felony charges for alleged arsons in Irwindale, Industry
Two men are facing arson charges after they allegedly lit fires in Industry and Irwindale amid the outbreak of deadly wildfires in Southern California.
Jaime Mata, 37, is accused of “lighting a fire in the back of a warehouse/shipping yard at 15250 Stafford St. in the City of Industry, causing bushes, stacks of pallets and the back portion of a tractor-trailer to become enflamed” at about 2 p.m. on Saturday, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
He faces two felony charges, arson and arson of property, and is being held in lieu of $350,000 bail. He’s due to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon at the West Covina Branch of the Los Angeles Superior Court and faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Ruben Michael Montes, 27, allegedly started a fire at the 605 Freeway underpass and Rivergrade Road in Irwindale at about 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
He faces “one count each of felony arson during a state of emergency; felony possession, manufacturing, or disposing of flammable or combustible materials, incendiary devices, or explosives with the intent to commit arson; and misdemeanor reckless burning of personal property,” the release said.
He also faces special allegations of having prior felony convictions, violating probation after committing arson and engaging in violent conduct indicating a serious danger to society. If convicted, he faces up to 14 years in prison.
His bail has been set at $400,000 and he’s also due to be arraigned Wednesday at the West Covina Branch of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
“The people of Los Angeles County are enduring unprecedented hardship as wildfires ravage our communities, displacing families, destroying homes, and tragically claiming lives,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in the release. “While first responders and residents work tirelessly to save lives and property, we will not tolerate individuals who exploit this tragedy by committing heinous acts of arson or looting. My Office continues to put relentless pressure on those who threaten the safety and security of our county.”
Dozens of people have been arrested in the wake of the Palisades and Eaton fires, mostly on burglary and looting charges but several on allegations of arson, prompting local officials to warn of dire consequences for lawbreakers.
“We owe it to the victims of these fires, as well as the brave first responders risking their lives, to ensure justice is served,” Hochman said. “Let this be a message to anyone contemplating similar acts — you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”