Arson suspect in Calexico appears in court
Karina Bazarte
CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The man who police say tried to light a store on fire in Calexico made his first court appearance.
38-year-old Jesse Romero was formally charged last Friday.
Calexico police say Romero went into a Walmart trying to set things on fire and fought people inside the store two weeks ago. Police say Romero also attempted to disarm one of the officers of his taser and firearm.
Officers say Romero has been convicted of arson in the past.
Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez says Romero faces up to 12 years in prison.
“What I can tell you I can speak in generality is that when a person has a criminal history it can add to their potential exposure in their current case…so let’s say for example someone who may have a conviction it can add years in prison to their current case,” Marquez said.
Romero is facing multiple felony charges, including attempted arson, felony assault and felony resisting arrest.
He is being held on a bail of $100,000 and is expected to be back in court later this month.