Posted on 06/28/2008 1:22:41 PM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
Former Forestry Worker Recently Freed From Federal Prison
DENVER -- Colorado prosecutors are asking for $44.5 million in restitution from a former forestry worker who admitted starting the state's worst wildfire, a 60 percent increase over earlier estimates.
Prosecutors are seeking the money from Terry Lynn Barton, 44, who pleaded guilty to arson for the 2002 fire. She was released from prison June 2 after a six-year term.
The state originally estimated the damages and firefighting costs at $27.5 million. Prosecutors said Friday they raised the estimate after consulting with insurance companies and victims.
The Hayman Fire burned 138,000 acres, destroyed 133 homes, and forced the evacuation of 8,000 people. Five firefighters were killed as they traveled to Colorado from Oregon to fight the blaze.
The judge hasn't ruled on the state's request.
Barton is serving a lengthy probation in Colorado, but has no listed phone number and couldn't immediately be reached.
Separately, Barton has been ordered to pay $14.7 million in restitution to the federal government for damages and costs.
She was working part-time for the U.S. Forest Service when she started the fire by burning a letter in a campground fire pit during a burning ban that she was supposed to enforce.
What is the purpose of this new estimate? She will never have the 27.5 million to pay the first amount. Why waste tax payer money to come up with the larger number?
So she can never profit from her deed. (Books, movies, interviews, etc.)
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
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