Arson Charges Filed in Palm Tree Fires
From a Times Staff Writer
Felony arson charges were filed Wednesday against a Riverside man in connection with several palm tree and vegetation fires, officials said.
Michael Espalin, 41, faces 41 charges. If convicted on all counts, prosecutors said, he could be sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Authorities say Espalin burned palm trees and other vegetation in Riverside during a seven-month stretch from May to December of 2004. The palm tree fires were roaring and explosive, prosecutors said.
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