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Arson Suspect's Mother Wanted in Germany On 19 Counts of Fraud
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Dorothee Burkhart, the mother of suspected spree arsonist Harry Burkhart, is "wanted in Germany on 19 counts of fraud, most stemming from allegations that she bilked apartment renters out of security deposits," reports City News Service. An arrest warrant was issued in Germany in 2007.
Details about Dorothee Burkhart's extradition process were revealed today via federal court papers unsealed today.
Dorothee Burkhart is now scheduled to return to court Friday for a hearing. Today in court, she said "she needs time to hire an attorney, and does not want a public defender."
In a bizarre twist, the LA Weekly is reporting that a Dorothee Burkhart is affiliated with a local massage service website, and that the domain registration for the site lists the same address that is the shared home of both Burkharts.
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In the meantime, her son Harry, 24, is facing one charge of arson for his alleged role in the string of 53 carport fires set in Los Angeles over New Year's weekend. As authorities continue to investigate the arson spree, it is likely Burkhart will face multiple counts of arson, should they connect him to the crimes.
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This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
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