A man accused of starting the deadly Palisades Fire in one of Los Angeles’ wealthiest enclaves pleaded not guilty to felony charges Thursday, and a judge in California set his trial for Dec. 16, federal prosecutors said.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former resident of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, is charged with one count of destruction of property by means of fire, one count of arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and one count of timber set afire, court records show. He has been held in federal custody since his arrest earlier this month in Florida.
Jonathan Rinderknecht
Source: US Attorney’s Office
Prosecutors claim the Palisades ...