A San Francisco man who pleaded no contest to felony arson in March was sentenced Thursday to two years, eight months in state prison in connection with a fire late last year in the Brisbane area, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
Though the defense attorney for Isaac Aaron Tuialuuluu argued a prison term would exacerbate his client’s challenges with mental health, Judge Mark Forcum allegedly said the 34-year-old still poses a long-term danger to society, according to prosecutors.
Tuialuuluu was found dancing barefoot around a fire that was roughly 15 by 20 yards in size in the vicinity of Quarry and Sand Hill roads around 12:20 p.m. on Dec. 7. He said he didn’t know who started the fire, although two lighters were found in his pocket and a witness said he had been chanting “burn fire burn” prior to the officers’ arrival, according to prosecutors.
Tuialuuluu, who was on probation at the time and already has a prior strike conviction, will receive 281 days credit for time served, according to prosecutors.
District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe praised Forcum’s sentence, noting the recent wildfires in Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties are reminders of the dangers of fire.
“Even if one’s doing it because of mental health issues, protection of the public is crucial,” he said.
Tuialuuluu’s defense attorney Edward Pomeroy could not be immediately reached for comment.
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