SAN JOSE, Calif. — Former professor Gary Stephen Maynard who once taught at Santa Clara University pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of arson after prosecutors said he set ablaze property near where firefighters were battling the Dixie Fire.
His arson spree in Shasta Trinity National Forest included the following fires:
- Cascade Fire (July 20, 2021)
- Everitt Fire (July 21, 2021)
- Ranch Fire (Aug. 7, 2021)
- Conard Fire (Aug. 7, 2021)
Prosecutors said Maynard's fires were behind firefighters in Lassen National Forest fighting the Dixie Fire — thus surrounding them.
He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge. Arson to federal property carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
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