Transient guilty of reckless burning sentenced to state prison

Flores was arrested for starting a fire that burned several greenhouses at the California Terra Gardens facility on the 12000 block of State Route 92 at 11:10 p.m. March 28. The fire damaged four or five greenhouses, resulting in an estimated $50,000 to $100,000 in damage, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said witnesses told investigators Flores had been acting strangely, burning clothes and threatening to “burn this f— hill down.”

After his arrest, he allegedly admitted to using his lighter to burn papers on the ground inside the greenhouse company’s office to help “clean up” but claimed he waited for the fire to burn out before leaving, according to prosecutors.

District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe voiced support for Judge Steven Dylina’s assessment of Flores’ actions, which Wagstaffe thought warranted a strong sentence. Dylina denied a motion from Flores’ defense attorney Brandon Douglass to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor as well as probation, said Wagstaffe.

“Judge Dylina very appropriately assessed the danger that was created by the conduct of this defendant,” said Wagstaffe. “We know the dangers that fire can bring.”

Douglass could not be immediately reached for comment.

Flores will receive 362 days credit for time served, which means he will serve just over four years in state prison. Restitution to the owner has yet to be determined, according to prosecutors.