For Immediate Release - Jan 25, 2006

Contact:

Pam Russell DA Public Information 303-271-6905

Re: Juveniles Charged in Table Mountain Fire Plead Guilty

Today, the two sixteen year-old males who were charged with starting the fire on North Table Mountain last summer appeared in the Jefferson County Juvenile Court and pled guilty.  Both boys pled guilty to one count of Fourth Degree Arson and one count of Firing Woods and Prairies. Both were granted a one year deferred adjudication for the arson count, and one year probation for the misdemeanor Firing Woods and Prairies.

The deferred adjudications will be supervised by the Jefferson County Juvenile Diversion Program. Their one-year probation sentences will run concurrently and also be supervised by the Juvenile Diversion Program.  They will also pay nearly $170,000 in restitution  which includes not only losses to homeowners impacted by the fire, but also for the cost of the response  and compete 40-45 hours of useful Community Service.

District Attorney Scott Storey solicited and received substantial community input regarding the handling of this case. At one meeting of about 40 community members as well as officials from the Fairmount Fire Protection District, the District Attorney was told by the attendees that these boys had both demonstrated remorse and accountability, and that they did not want them to carry felony adjudications into adulthood. 

District Attorney Storey said, "We have listened to the community most impacted by this fire and agree that these young offenders have indeed taken responsibility for their actions.  Rehabilitation and accountability are cornerstones of the juvenile justice system and those goals have been reached today."