One of several arson cases that developed in Emporia last year is approaching resolution. Another is on hold after separate hearings recently in Lyon County District Court.
Juvenile Hayden Vasquez pleaded no contest this week after fire this past September in the 1100 block of Constitution. Sentencing will be Feb. 26.
Separately, court proceedings have paused in the case against Miguel Renterio after he filed a motion for a competency evaluation, which will be handled by CrossWinds Counseling and Wellness. Renterio was charged after allegedly setting fire to a van near Grace United Methodist Church this past October.
Several arson cases that developed last year are still working through the local court process:
*Seth Giroux, charged after an alleged incident in October, has pleaded no contest to one count of arson and will be sentenced Feb. 6.
*Jesus Hinostroza Jr, charged with arson after an alleged incident in May, has pleaded no contest to battery on and interference with law enforcement. He will be sentenced Feb. 13.
*Michael Johnson, accused of aggravated arson and other counts after allegedly trying to set an SUV on fire in September, will return to court Feb. 24 for a preliminary hearing.
The case against David Anderson has been paused after Anderson was deemed incompetent to stand trial and was set up for treatment at Larned. Providers have been told to give updated evaluations to Judge Laura Miser. Anderson had been charged after an alleged incident in the 800 block of Merchant in September.
Uriel Sevilla’s process remains on hold after allegedly setting a fire inside 10 West Grill + Dive Bar this past July. Like Anderson, Sevilla has been deemed incompetent to stand trial and has been getting treatment at Larned since August.
