Son of OC Firefighter charged with arson for setting fires in Anaheim and Y.L.

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # TBA: August 27, 2013

MAN CHARGED WITH ARSON FOR SETTING FIRES IN YORBA LINDA AND ANAHEIM

SANTA ANA – A man was charged today with arson for setting fires in Yorba Linda and Anaheim. Gabriel Michael Castillo, 19, Anaheim, (editor’s note: Castillo is the son of an OC Fire Authority Firefighter) is charged with five felony counts each of arson of forest, three felony counts of arson of another’s property, and one felony count of receiving stolen property. If convicted on all counts, Castillo faces a maximum sentence of 13 years and eight months in state prison. The People will request the defendant be held on $100,000 bail at his arraignment today, Aug. 27, 2013, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.

Between May 29, 2013, and May 31, 2013, Castillo is accused of starting three vehicle arsons in Anaheim. No injuries were reported during these fires.

At approximately 12:20 p.m. on Aug. 19, 2013, Castillo is accused of starting a brush fire near Weir Canyon Road in Anaheim. Three hours later, Castillo is accused of starting three separate additional brush fires in Yorba Linda. At approximately 3:30 p.m., the defendant is accused of starting another fire west of California State Route 241 in Anaheim. Castillo is accused of driving his Ford sports utility vehicle (SUV) close to the scene of the fires. Later that day, law enforcement found the Ford SUV with a stolen watch and mobile phone inside.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Anaheim Police Department, and the Anaheim Fire Department jointly investigated this case. On Aug. 25, 2013, Castillo was arrested.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Christopher Duff of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.

###

Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney 401 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718

Farrah Emami Spokesperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486