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King City Man Sentenced to 2 Years for Recklessly Starting a Fire

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, April 23 that the Honorable Pamela L. Butler sentenced 30-year-old Valerio Javier Perez Flores of King City, to the middle term of 2 years, plus 8 months for his probation violation, to be served in state prison for recklessly starting a fire. On July 7, 2020, at 1:50 p.m., a California Highway Patrol officer observed a large cloud of smoke on the right shoulder of US-101 southbound near Main Street in Salinas. Upon arrival, a CHP officer observed a male, later identified as Flores, standing near the fire. Flores said he was homeless and lived at that location. He also said he lights fires every night to stay warm and cook his food. He confirmed he had a small fire during the evening and kept the fire going throughout the day, but the wind picked up and the fire got out of control next to his campsite. Judge Butler sentenced Flores to the middle term of 2 years on this case. Flores was already on probation for recklessly starting a fire in October 2019. Judge Butler sentenced him to serve a consecutive 8 months in state prison. California Highway Patrol Officer Justin Roberts investigated the case that occurred on July 7, 2020. Salinas Police Officer Gabriel Garcia investigated the October 2019 fire. Salinas Police Officers Rios and Velasquez conducted the investigation.

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