A 20-year-old local transient accused of setting seven suspicious fires in Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park in March waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday, clearing the way for a trial.
Joey Lee Valderrama, deemed a “firebug” by Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
The largest fire consumed about a quarter of an acre. A trial date is scheduled to be set June 25.