Accused Oak Fire Arsonist Released with Ankle Monitor

URGENT UPDATE: The accused Oak Fire arsonist, 73-year-old Edward Wackerman, has been released from jail with an electronic ankle monitor following a court order. This shocking development was confirmed by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office late Monday night.

Wackerman, arrested on June 16, 2023, faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated arson, stemming from the devastating Oak Fire that ravaged Mariposa County, destroying 127 homes on July 22, 2022. This incident has been described by Sheriff Jeremy Briese as the most catastrophic event in the county’s history.

During a court hearing, it was revealed that both representatives from the California Department of Justice and Wackerman’s defense agreed on his release. Sheriff Briese, speaking during a live Facebook session, reassured the community that the sheriff’s office will closely monitor Wackerman’s activities moving forward.

“The sheriff’s office will do everything we can to be of assistance,” Briese stated. “We hope things like this can be reversed. I don’t know if that’s in the legislature or the assembly or case law or what we gotta do, but it’s not right.”

Wackerman is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial hearing in January 2026. This developing situation raises significant public concern, as residents grapple with the implications of releasing an individual accused of such a destructive act.

As this story unfolds, community members are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The sheriff’s office remains committed to ensuring public safety while navigating the complexities of the legal system.

Stay tuned for more updates on this critical situation.