Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Suspect charged in connection to Palisades Fire faces new charges
This undated photo provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office shows Jonathan Rinderknecht, a suspect in the Palisades Fire.
(
Courtesy U.S. Attorney's Office
/
U.S. Attorney's Office
)
Topline:
A former Pacific Palisades resident, who was charged in connection to the January fire that killed 12 people, was indicted Wednesday on two additional felonies by a federal grand jury.
What we know: Jonathan Rinderknecht has been in federal custody since his arrest Oct. 7. Prosecutors say on Jan. 1, he allegedly set the Lachman Fire, which eventually became the Palisades Fire.
What are the charges? The 29-year-old is facing one count of destruction of property by means of fire, one count of arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and one count of setting timber afire.
Sponsored message
What punishment is he facing? If convicted, Rinderknecht would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 45 years in federal prison.
What’s next: His arraignment is expected to be scheduled at the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the next few weeks.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
