MADERA COUNTY – All parties were back in court today for the sentencing of a Coarsegold couple found guilty on May 8 of arson and conspiracy.
Kenneth Jackson, 41, and Alice Waterman, 47, were scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, June 6, after he was found guilty of 21 counts of arson, resisting arrest, assault on a peace officer and conspiracy, and she was convicted on six counts of arson and one count of conspiracy.
However, Jackson’s attorney, Craig Collins, told the judge he needed time to consider whether or not to file a motion for a new trial based on his assertion that there was prosecutorial misconduct.
Greg Gross, Waterman’s attorney, told the court he was withdrawing his motion to seal the documents relating to allegations of misconduct, and though the prosecution was willing to stipulate and unseal the documents, the judged ordered the defense to put their motions in writing and file them on or before June 27.
The hearing on whether or not the documents will be unsealed, and the conditions under which they will be made available, will take place on July 21.
The issue in question was brought before the judge during the trial, outside the presence of the jury, and the judge ruled at that time that it had no relevance to the case.
Sentencing is now scheduled for Aug. 1, subject to the outcome of the 402 hearing.
The couple was convicted of starting a series of fires in the Yosemite Lakes Park area in May and June of 2013.
Jackson faces up to 32 years behind bars, and Waterman could receive a sentence of over 12 years.
