Ronnie Dean Stout II, arrested on multiple charges, including reckless arson for starting the Park Fire, appeared in court Monday.
Stout’s prior record includes two-strike felony convictions for lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and robbery with great bodily injury.
In court, District Attorney for Butte County, Mike Ramsey, says Stout denied a witness statement that he pushed a flaming car down the gully near Alligator Hole in Upper Bidwell Park. The DA said the Stout claims it was an accident.
Stout’s blood alcohol content was above the legal limit when he was arrested Thursday.
Stout has yet to enter a plea; a continued arraignment will held on August 1st.
