OC Firefighter's Son Pleads Not Guilty To Setting Series Of Arsons
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — The 19-year-old son of an Orange County firefighter pleaded not guilty Tuesday to multiple felony counts of arson in connection with setting numerous brush and vehicle fires.
Gabriel Michael Castillo, of Anaheim, faces five counts of arson of forest, three counts of arson of another's property and one count of receiving stolen property, according to Deputy District Attorney Chris Duff.
If convicted, he faces up to 13 years and eight months in prison.
The suspect allegedly set three vehicles on fire in Anaheim between May 29 and 31. He is also accused of setting five fires in Yorba Linda and Anaheim on Aug. 19.
Castillo was arrested Sunday after a security camera captured the Ford SUV he reportedly drove to one of the blazes.
Authorities said they found a stolen watch and cellphone inside the vehicle, which resulted in the stolen property charge.
Castillo is the son of an 18-year veteran of the OC Fire Authority who was stationed in Santa Ana.
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