eagle rock — A 28-year-old man charged with arson and other charges stemming from an August 2019 wildfire that burned 45 acres and forced the closure of two freeways today received a mental health diversion program that could eventually result in termination of the case.
Daniel Michael Nogueira was charged last March with felony use of an explosive and destructive device to injure or destroy and arson of a structure or forest. He also faced two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon involving a “fireworks mortar” involving two alleged victims, according to the criminal complaint.
It took two days for firefighters to fully contain the wildfire near the junction of Highways 2 and 134. The fire started near a homeless encampment, where two people suffered minor injuries and one firefighter was injured while battling the flames, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
Nogueira, who lived in Eagle Rock at the time of the fire, is the son of Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce President Michael Nogueira. He was arrested by LAPD detectives less than a week after the Aug. 25, 2019 fire, authorities said.
Defense attorney Alan Jackson told Superior Court Judge Kerry White that his client has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and the prosecution opposed the diversion program request. The Los Angeles Times reported.
“I am very pleased with the court’s decision, as it will give Mr. Nogueira the opportunity to get the help he clearly needs,” Jackson said in a statement after the hearing.
Terms of the diversion program will be detailed at a hearing on May 13.
Nogueira could have faced up to 10 years and four months in state prison if convicted of the charges, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
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