Kevin Alexander Carlson, accused of setting fire to the historic Bidwell Mansion, changed his plea to no-contest for felony arson, allowing him to avoid a public trial. This decision comes after he was confronted with overwhelming evidence gathered in a weekslong investigation. His public defender indicated that the plea was made without a deal with prosecutors, meaning Carlson still faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 5, and he remains in jail without bond.
"We tried to sneak it in to avoid all the press but it didn't work," said Larry Pilgrim, Carlson's public defender.
"The evidence was overwhelming," Pilgrim added.
Carlson's sentencing is now scheduled for March 5. He remains held without bond in Butte County Jail in Oroville.
Carlson entered the no-contest plea to a felony charge of arson, maintaining the possibility of up to 11 years in prison.
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