LOS ANGELES : Suspect in Arson Threats Denied Release on Bail
A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Thomas Lee Larsen, the man prosecutors say is “Fedbuster,” should remain in custody while awaiting trial, rejecting a request by Larsen’s lawyer to allow him to live at home under close supervision.
U.S. District Judge Harry L. Hupp denied the bail request after hearing brief arguments from Larsen’s lawyer and Assistant U.S. Atty. Gregory Jessner. Hupp cited Larsen’s “significant” criminal history, the possible danger to the community if he were released and the strength of the prosecution’s case, which charges him with 77 counts of mailing threatening letters. If convicted, Larsen could be sentenced to up to 385 years in prison and fined $19.25 million.
Larsen is accused of mailing a series of threatening letters, including one signed “Fedbuster,” that threatened to spark fires across Southern California. He is considered a suspect in some of the recent fires but has not been charged.
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