Arson Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

Hollywood - The German man accused of igniting a string of fires over New Year's Day weekend in Los Angeles pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 100 arson-related charges, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Harry Burkhart, 24, was previously charged with 37 counts, but prosecutors filed more charges after an investigation linked him to 49 of the 51 arsons he is suspected of lighting between Dec. 30 and Jan. 2.

The fires spread fear and panic across Los Angeles and caused an estimated $3 million in damage.

Nearly all of the blazes Burkhart allegedly started were ignited in cars or under vehicle engines and in most cases spread to car ports, garages and homes. Prosecutors have alleged that Burkhart used a device designed to accelerate the fires.

According to the Times, Burkhart appeared in court for his arraignment shackled at the waist and wearing a yellow jailhouse shirt and pants. The judge set bail at $7.5 million.

Authorities believe Burkhart's alleged crimes were motivated by his anger over his mother's possible extradition to Germany.

His mother, Dorothee Burkhart, was detained just before the arson spree began at the request of the German government. She is facing various fraud charges in Germany, including allegedly skipping out on payments for her breast augmentation.