FARMINGTON — A Farmington man has been charged with multiple counts of arson after investigators alleged he started several small vegetation fires near Apache Street in Farmington, according to a criminal complaint filed in Aztec Magistrate Court.
Justin Bo Bitsue, 35, was charged with six petty misdemeanor counts of arson related to alleged vegetation fires causing property damage valued at $250 or less, according to court records.
According to a statement of probable cause, New Mexico State Police responded at approximately 1:32 p.m. May 20 after receiving a request for assistance from Farmington firefighters regarding fires burning in vegetation near the roadway.
Court records state a Farmington fire marshal detained a man near the area while firefighters responded to the scene. According to the affidavit, a witness reported seeing a man walking south along a dirt path near Navajo Street and Apache Street before allegedly igniting dry brush.
According to the affidavit, the witness described the individual as wearing a black hoodie and carrying a black backpack. The affidavit states the man was later identified as Bitsue.
According to the affidavit, officers reported finding a black lighter in the front pocket of Bitsue’s hoodie during a search conducted before transport. Court records state investigators later identified six separate burn locations in the area.
According to the affidavit, crews extinguished the fires after responding to the area.
CHARGES FILED
- Six counts of arson ($250 or less), petty misdemeanors
CASE STATUS
Court records indicate Bitsue was transported to the San Juan County Adult Detention Center on May 20.
A pretrial safety assessment was filed in the case, according to court records.
Court records did not indicate whether Bitsue had retained legal counsel.
SOURCE
According to a criminal complaint and statement of probable cause filed in Aztec Magistrate Court by the New Mexico State Police.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
All charges are allegations based on court records, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.