VAN NUYS (CNS) – A husband and wife who allegedly tried to access the Pacific Palisades fire zone while wearing firefighting gear and driving a fire truck are due back in court next month to face misdemeanor charges including impersonating fire personnel.
Dustin Lee Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, both of Oregon, were charged this week with misdemeanor counts of fraudulent impersonation of a specific fire personnel, unauthorized activities with respect to badges or related matter, and false representation, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday and are due back in a Van Nuys courtroom Feb. 11 for a pretrial hearing.
According to prosecutors and the sheriff’s department, the pair pulled up to a Palisades Fire checkpoint in Malibu on Jan. 18 trying to enter the burn area, while wearing fake firefighter gear and driving a full-sized fire engine, which was labeled as being from the “Roaring River” fire department.
Sheriff’s officials said they were wearing Cal Fire T-shirts under turnout gear, along with helmets and radios. The pair allegedly purchased the truck at an auction, sheriff’s officials said.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Dustin Nehl served five years in prison for arson. Citing a Portland TV station, The Times reported that Nehl admitted setting fires at a golf course, a park and a water facility in Woodburn, Oregon, south of Portland, in 2017.
During their court appearance this week, Jennifer Nehl was released on her own recognizance. Dustin Nehl’s bail was set at $30,000. He was released on bond Thursday, according to jail records.
They are both facing up to 180 days in county jail if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
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