Orange County arson suspect charged with setting ten fires

A collaborative partnership of the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department resulted in the arrest of Sergio Parracastellon (AKA Sergio Parra), 29, of San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday morning on suspicion of setting multiple vegetation fires in the City of San Juan Capistrano.

OCFA Investigators, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Irvine Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted the extensive investigation which led to his arrest on suspicion of 10 counts of arson under penal code CPC 451(C).

Parracastellon was charged on Monday with 10 felony counts of arson of a structure or forest. According to the criminal complaint, the defendant is accused of setting these fires:

• On Oso Road and Camino Capistrano on May 27;
• On the Shea Recreation Trail on May 28;
• At Oso Road and Camino Capistrano on June 6;
• At Reata Park in San Juan Capistrano on June 9;
• On the San Juan Capistrano Bike Trail also on June 9;
• At Calle Arroyo and Via Parra on June 9;
• Again at the Shea Recreation Trail on June 12;
• At La Novia and Valle Road on June 25; and
• At 27802 Calle Arroyo also on June 2.

Parracastellon, who was arrested Wednesday, pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to return to court July 29 in the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

Anyone who may have information regarding this case is urged to call the TIP line at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.