Federal grand charges man in connection with Palisades Fire

2025-10-16 05:54:55

(MENAFN) A federal grand jury has charged a man in connection with the Palisades Fire that swept through Los Angeles earlier this year, according to reports.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, faces a three-count indictment including destruction of property by fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and setting timber on fire, as stated by the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

A former resident of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, Rinderknecht has remained in federal custody since his arrest on October 7. Authorities say he ignited a small fire on New Year’s Day that smoldered underground before reigniting and spreading throughout the area, which is known for its affluent residents.

The fire reignited a week later, resulting in the Palisades Fire that claimed 12 lives and destroyed 6,837 buildings, mostly homes.

If found guilty, Rinderknecht faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 45 years in federal prison. His arraignment is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks at the US District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

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