Judge Orders Mom Of Hollywood Arson Suspect Extradited To Germany
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A judge on Thursday issued an extradition order for the mother of a man suspected of starting the devastating Hollywood arson fires earlier this year.
KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta reports authorities said it's not clear when Dorothee Burkhart will actually be extradited to Germany to face fraud charges.
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U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles F. Eick denied a motion to stay the extradition that was filed by Burkhart's son and suspected Hollywood arsonist Harry Burkhart.
Burkhart, 24, has been fighting his mother's extradition since federal prosecutors filed the paperwork in February.
He wanted Dorothee, 53, to stay in the U.S. while he fought the 100 arson charges that have been filed against him in connection with the New Year's Eve arson spree.
Authorities allege that spree may have been motivated by Burkhart's anger of his mother's pending extradition, but warned the extradition may not come immediately.
"The minute order...does NOT mean that Ms. Burkhart will be boarding a plane for Germany this afternoon or tomorrow for that matter," wrote Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in an email.
Burkhart will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal without bail until she is surrendered to the German government.
