Suspected Spring Fire arsonist back in court

It’s been nearly 8 months since ‘The Spring Fire’ destroyed thousands of acres and about two hundred homes in both Costilla and Huerfano counties.

Thursday, Jesper Joergensen, an illegal immigrant from Denmark and the man accused of starting the fire, was back in the courtroom for a status update on the motions filed by both the defense and prosecution.

However, the illegal immigrant who stayed in the United States after his work visa expired used the preliminary hearing as an opportunity to voice his own opinions.

Joergensen, who faces charges of first-degree arson, claimed that his attorney wasn’t giving him information on the case, and asked the judge for new representation. His defense attorney refuted these claims to the judge.

Joergensen then asked for a change in venue and a different judge. The Danish man claims that he did nothing wrong and is being treated unfairly.

In his arrest affidavit, Joergensen changed his story on how the fire started multiple times.

Elizabeth Saucier, who lost her home to The Spring Fire, attended Thursday’s hearing in San Luis at the Costilla County Courthouse.

“My home was taken away but it’s not necessarily the house and the land that is important,” said Saucier who lived there for a decade and planned to retire there. “It’s the memories, my kids, pictures, my things that I had accumulated over a lifetime.”

Saucier plans on attending every hearing to make sure justice is served.

“As far as I’m concerned I’d like to see him clean up every lot that was burned,” said Saucier. “I want him held accountable one way or the other. I want him held accountable.”

Joergensen is not due back in court any time soon, and a trial date has not been set yet. However, a phone hearing between the judge, defense and prosecution will take place in May to discuss motions and Joergensen’s own competency.