Charges dropped against arson suspects

The two Laton volunteer firefighters arrested earlier this week on suspicion of involvement in over 30 fires in the Kings and Fresno counties area over the past year were released on Wednesday afternoon when prosecutors claimed not to have enough evidence to file charges against them.

Christopher Furtado, 27, of Hanford and Teddy Lee, 23, of Laton, were both released from custody when officials with the Fresno County District Attorney's Office claimed that there was insufficient evidence in the case to proceed to trial, according to multiple media sources.

Prior to this announcement, Furtado allegedly posted bail to be released, while Lee was let out of the Fresno County Jail amidst a flurry of reporters, where he refused to comment on the allegations against him.

The two are suspects in more than 30 fires that have occurred in and around the Laton area, including the Kings Country Club fire that caused the destruction of the golf course's clubhouse.

Investigators with the Kings County Sheriff's office are still working to determine if there is a connection to the Kings Country Club fire. When contacted this morning, Assistant Sheriff Brian Wheat said only that the "investigation still continues" and that they were still assisting with the case.

When asked if the release of the two men would be a setback in the investigation, Kings County Fire Chief Jim Kilner expressed confidence in his team.

"If these guys are bad, then we will get everything situated and make an arrest that will stick," Kilner said. "If not, if we find out they didn't do it, well, then OK. But I'm pretty sure we are going in the right direction and I still have confidence in our investigators."

The Kings County Sheriff's Department, in addition to the Kings County Fire Department and the Fresno County Fire Prevention District, are jointly looking into the case at this time.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(July 24, 2008)