𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧

On July 12, 2023, the Honorable Judge Kingsbury sentenced 38-year-old Ryan Lapp to ten years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for multiple charges of arson and possession of flammable materials, as it related to local fires started by the Lincoln resident.

Specifically, the defendant over a few days maliciously set fire to forest land located off of Baxter Grade Road in Auburn, McCourtney Road in Lincoln and Greenbrae Road in Rocklin.

After a thorough investigation, an arrest was made by CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers. A search of Lapp’s vehicle revealed a box of Zippo Typhoon waterproof matches, along with a constructed paper napkin wick used for an incendiary device.

The facts of the offense were found by the court to be more serious than other instances of the same crime, due to the defendant being responsible for setting multiple vegetation fires over an extended period of time. It was also found there was a level of planning on the defendant’s part, due to obtaining the incendiary ignition devices, planning the areas to which he would like to set on fire, and watching the fires after he had set them. It was concluded that Lapp poses a serious danger to the community. To add insult to injury, during an interview, Lapp did not express remorse.

“Placer County takes arson very seriously,” said Deputy District Attorney Nancy Smith. “Not only do arsonists pose a threat to the year-round fire preparedness efforts of our fire officials, county agencies and residents, one spot fire has the threat to turn into a devastating wildfire. We will continue to work closely with our fire partners to hold potential arsonists accountable and ensure people know that we are dedicated to keeping our beautiful county fire safe.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Nancy Smith who is in the Placer County District Attorney’s Office Felony Unit.

Learn more about Placer County’s fire preparedness efforts at www.readyplacer.org