Colorado Wants Fire-Starter to Pay $27M

June 3, 2003
State prosecutors say a former Forest Service employee who started Colorado's largest wildfire owes $27.5 million to residents who lost their homes or suffered other damages.
CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (AP) -- State prosecutors say a former Forest Service employee who started Colorado's largest wildfire owes $27.5 million to residents who lost their homes or suffered other damages.

A state judge ordered Terry Barton to pay restitution after she pleaded guilty in March to an arson charge in the 137,000-acre fire, which destroyed 133 homes and a business last summer. Prosecutors submitted the dollar amount Monday, District Attorney Jeanne Smith said.

Barton's public defender, Sharlene Reynolds, did not return a call seeking comment Tuesday.

Prosecutors acknowledged it is unlikely Barton will be able to pay restitution but said they want to preserve the possibility in case she becomes wealthy in the future.

Separately, a federal judge denied restitution in February, ruling that it would be too complex to determine the wildfire's damage. Federal prosecutors filed their appeal Monday, saying Barton should pay $14.7 million.

Barton is serving a six-year federal sentence. In state court, she was sentenced to the maximum of 12 years in prison.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!