Joseph Kling, a 19-year-old from Waretown, has been charged with aggravated arson, arson, and hindering apprehension for allegedly causing the Jones Road wildfire, New Jersey’s second-largest fire in two decades. This major wildfire, which began on April 22, burnt over 15,000 acres, destroyed various structures, led to temporary power outages for 25,000 residents, and forced thousands to evacuate. Kling claims he attempted to extinguish the bonfire that sparked the wildfire before leaving to aid a friend involved in a dirt bike accident. He states that 19 people were present at the bonfire, with 16 remaining when he departed, but insists that police ignored these claims.
Kling’s attorney, Joseph Compitello, contends that evidence from his client’s consistent statements has been overlooked, suggesting that more individuals may be prosecuted as investigations continue. Compitello denies that Kling started the fire and questions whether the bonfire led directly to the wildfire.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s office is still gathering information on the wildfire’s damage and has not yet offered a plea deal to Kling, as they pursue a comprehensive understanding of the incident. Another individual, a 17-year-old, has also been implicated in connection with the fire. Following his arrest on April 24, Kling was held in jail until May 5, when he was released under home detention with electronic monitoring. A forthcoming court date is set for June 30 for further proceedings in the case.
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