Man Accused of Starting Palisades Fire Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Arson Charges

The man accused of starting the Palisades fire that caused major damage to Palisades Charter High School has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal arson charges.

Jonathan Rindernecht appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Thursday, facing three felony counts: destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and timber set afire. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was ordered to remain in custody.

According to federal prosecutors, Rindernecht lived in Los Angeles when he allegedly started a fire known as the Lockman Fire on New Year’s Day in Temescal Canyon. Investigators say he was working as an Uber driver at the time and had just dropped off passengers near an area where he previously lived.

The blaze, one of two that erupted in Los Angeles that day, spread rapidly and caused significant damage to Palisades Charter High School. Federal agents and local fire investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Rindernecht’s next court appearance is scheduled as the investigation continues into the cause and extent of the damage from the fires.

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