Crime & Safety
Arson Suspect Pleads Not Guilty
Javier Adolfo Viera is expected to return to court June 5 to set a date for his preliminary hearing.
A South Pas man accused of setting or trying to set a series of fires in South Pasadena, Pasadena and Los Angeles pleaded not guilty Monday to 18 felony counts.
Javier Adolfo Viera, 35, is charged with 10 counts of arson of a structure or forest, six counts of arson of property of another and two counts of attempting or aiding in an attempt to burn a structure, forest or property.
He is due back in court on June 5, when a date will be set for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Viera is suspected in 21 arson/attempted arson incidents in South Pasadena, four in Pasadena and one in Los Angeles since mid-November. The incidents started as small vegetation fires and escalated to blazes set under or involving parked vehicles, and one involving the exterior door to a business.
A break in the case came when fingerprints were recovered from an incendiary device that did not burn completely, police said.
Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Viera was under surveillance by detectives when he was arrested April 21 in connection with a car fire in Los Angeles, according to police.
Related:
Locations Where the Alleged Arsonist Torched
Arson Suspect's Bail Raised to $2 Million
Follow South Pasadena Patch on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for our Newsletter.
