Lawyer for man charged in 2018 wildfire wants case dismissed

DENVER (AP) - A lawyer for a Danish man charged with arson for starting a wildfire that destroyed over 100 homes in southern Colorado in 2018 is urging a judge to dismiss the case.

During a hearing Thursday, Jesper Joergensen's lawyer said doctors have found him unable to stand trial three times because of his mental health.

She also said his delusional disorder makes him refuse to take medication.

Joergensen was arrested following the Spring Fire, which burned over 100,000 acres in multiple counties near La Veta Pass. He initially told deputies he was burning trash in the Forbes Park neighborhood but changed his story multiple times. He has denied setting the fire intentionally.

The hearing came a day after Joergensen refused to leave jail for another mental health evaluation. Prosecutors want to look into the possibility of doing an evaluation in jail or possibly forcing him to take medication.

Joergensen, whose Visa is expired, is being held on suspicion of first-degree arson.