During the 5 month jury trial which ended May 8th, evidence was introduced that in the 6 week period between May 11th , and June 25th , 2013, 31 fires occurred in the Yosemite Lakes Park area of Madera County. Through the exhaustive efforts of Cal Fire sifting through the burn areas for evidence, and their observations of activity in and around the fires, the arson investigators were able to rule out natural and accidental causes, allowing prosecutors to prove Jackson and Waterman started 23 of the fires.
Following the trial, the jury deliberated over a week to convict Jackson of 21 counts of arson, and additional counts for conspiracy to commit arson, resisting arrest and battery on a peace officer. Waterman, was convicted of 6 counts of arson and another count of conspiracy to commit arson.
During today’s sentencing, the court recounted its lengthy review of the trial record and laws on arson before sentencing Jackson to 30 years and 8 months in state prison and Waterman to 10 years and 8 months in state prison.
“Arson is very difficult to prove. The convictions in this case would never have occurred had it not been for the diligent efforts of the jury, Cal Fire investigators and Deputy District Attorneys prosecuting the case. The long sentences imposed by the court today bring much justice and relief to the residents of Yosemite Lakes Park,” said District Attorney Keitz.
