The federal government is exploring charges against the man suspected of starting a fire that destroyed hundreds of Spokane homes earlier this month.
Eastern Washington's Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Van Marter said the office is "working with our state partners" to determine whether federal charges are possible for 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci, she wrote in an email to The Spokesman-Review Monday.
Farinacci is charged in state court with first-degree arson in connection to the Old Trails fire.
The fire, which started northeast of Airway Heights on Aug. 1, quickly spread east and jumped the Spokane River into the city. It destroyed more than 600 structures, a majority of them homes. Two other fires that erupted around the same time destroyed more than 200 structures in Spokane County. The cause of those fires is under investigation.
The federal government could attempt to charge Farinacci with arson if it finds the fire destroyed any federal lands, buildings, property or military supplies. The government also could charge Farinacci if it finds he used fire to maliciously damage property that affects foreign or interstate commerce, commercial buildings or rental properties.
Rental properties can qualify as a means for interstate commerce, according to federal law.
Under federal code, a person could face up to 25 years if convicted of arson. They could face up to life in prison if the arson threatened people's lives.
Though Farinacci is charged with arson in state court, the charging documents specify the fire was "manifestly dangerous" and placed people's lives in danger, including firefighters.
Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam told The Spokesman-Review Monday his office has been partnering with the U.S. attorney's office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as they continue to work through the case.
"We are thankful for their assistance in this matter," McCollam said. He declined to comment further.
A Spokane County judge signed off on a mental competency evaluation for Farinacci days after his arrest. A stay hearing, or a hearing to pause proceedings, has been scheduled for Sept. 4.
Farinacci has a previous manslaughter conviction in Arizona for shooting and killing his adoptive father in 2010, and has documented mental health issues, according to court documents.
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