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New trial date set for Uber driver accused of starting Palisades Fire
This undated photo shows Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of starting the Palisades Fire.
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U.S. Attorney's Office
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Topline:
An April 21 trial date has been set for Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of starting a fire which developed into the Palisades Fire.
Why now: An initial trial date was set for next month, but in a request filed last week, Rinderknecht’s lawyer asked for more time to prepare his case.
The backstory: The 29-year-old rideshare driver was arrested in October for allegedly starting the fire. He pleaded not guilty to all three federal felony charges. If convicted Rinderknecht would face up to 45 years in prison.
What's next: A pretrial hearing is set for Nov. 18 in downtown Los Angeles.
Go deeper: Uber driver charged in connection with starting the Palisades Fire
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