UPDATE: The accused Oak Fire arsonist, 73-year-old Edward Wackerman, has just been released from jail with an electronic ankle monitor, confirmed by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office late Monday night. This development comes following a court order that has raised significant concerns in the community.
Wackerman was arrested on July 22, 2022, for allegedly igniting the Oak Fire, which Sheriff Jeremy Briese described as the most devastating event in Mariposa County history, destroying 127 homes. He was formally charged with several serious felonies, including aggravated arson, and pleaded not guilty on June 16, 2023.
During a Facebook Live event, Sheriff Briese expressed his disappointment over the court’s decision. He stated that representatives from the California Department of Justice and Wackerman’s defense reached an agreement for his release, a decision that has sparked outrage among residents.
“The sheriff’s office will do everything we can to be of assistance. We hope monitoring is going successfully, and we will work with probation to ensure this,” Sheriff Briese remarked, emphasizing the need for legislative changes to prevent similar situations.
Wackerman’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 2026, when he will attend a pre-trial hearing. As he returns to the community, there are heightened concerns about public safety and the ongoing impact of the devastating fire.
This urgent update on Wackerman’s release is drawing significant attention, as residents express their fears regarding the implications of his monitored freedom. Authorities will continue to closely monitor his activities, but questions remain about the efficacy of the current legal framework in handling such serious offenses.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
