LOS ANGELES (AP) — A German man has pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles to 100 arson-related criminal charges involving 49 fires in Hollywood, West Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.
A defense attorney entered the plea Tuesday on behalf of 24-year-old Harry Burkhart, who spoke only to acknowledge that he understood.
Bail has been set at $7.5 million.
The rash of fires left residents on edge between Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 as parked cars were torched during the night. Some of the fires spread to carports and nearby buildings, forcing residents to flee.
Authorities believe Burkhart was upset over legal problems facing his mother, who is wanted in Germany on fraud charges.
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