Authorities arrested a suspect on Tuesday in connection with the fires that devastated Los Angeles in January, the Justice Department announced on Wednesday.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California said Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is charged with “maliciously starting what became the Palisades Fire,” known as one of the most catastrophic fires in U.S. history. The felony charge carries a mandatory minimum five-year federal prison sentence and is punishable by up to 20 years.

Recommended Stories

Manchester attacker called police to brag about murders and pledge allegiance to Islamic State group

Suspect arrested at DC cathedral after being found with hundreds of grenades

Border Patrol arrests of illegal immigrants over past year hit 55-year low

Rinde

See Full Page