LAKEPORT >> Four additional charges of arson were read to suspected Clayton Fire starter Damin Pashilk, even as he pleaded not guilty Wednesday at a hearing in Lake County’s Superior Court.
In an amended complaint filed by the district attorney, the prosecution further accused him of setting additional fires in the Cobb and Clearlake areas. The oldest charge was dated Aug. 8, 2015 in the High Valley Road area, where the Valley Fire originated the following month. The remainder were related to blazes started on July 26, 27 and 29 near Sulphur Bank Road, the intersection of San Joaquin and Lakeshore Drives and Ogulin Canyon Road, respectively.
Pashilk was arrested on suspicion of deliberately igniting the Clayton Fire, which erupted August 13 near Highway 29 and Clayton Road South and tore through Lower Lake. The blaze scorched 3,929 acres, destroying 189 homes, 8 businesses and over 100 other structures before it was contained.
According to prosecuting attorney Richard Hinchcliff, the additional allegations did not represent new revelations in Cal Fire’s investigation of Pashilk. Instead, they were just “accidentally” left out of a summary sent to the DA’s office before they were filed.
“Cal Fire was aware of those,” he said, noting the additional charges are most likely to be the last in the list, which also includes one count of methamphetamine possession, another for destruction of evidence and driving with a suspended license.
No plea deal was offered to the defendant. When asked why, Hinchcliff explained that the investigation is still ongoing.
“It would be way, way too early on that,” he added.
The next step in the trial will be a scheduling hearing on Oct. 25 to determine the date of the preliminary hearing.
Pashilk, who passed out before his arraignment on Aug. 17, appeared to be in better health at the hearing.
“He was fine today,” his appointed attorney J. David Markham said.
