Man accused of impersonating a firefighter enters plea

A man accused of impersonating a firefighter during the Lower North Fork Fire in March has pleaded not guilty to charges including criminal impersonation.

Prosecutors say Michael Maher also pleaded not guilty Monday to theft and impersonating a public servant.

Jefferson County sheriff’s officials say a man who represented himself as a firefighter during the Lower North Fork Fire was issued tools and other items that were never returned.

When Maher later was accused of impersonating a firefighter during the High Park Fire in Larimer County, investigators say they searched his home and found items from the Lower North Fork Fire.

Maher is scheduled to go to trial May 6 on charges stemming from the High Park Fire, as the Jefferson County case proceeds.