Hearing for one of suspects in arson case delayed again
James Michael Mee had requested new attorney
One of the suspects charged in connection to the January arson fire at an under-construction apartment complex still isn’t going to get a new attorney.
For the second time in as many hearings, James Michael Mee asked the judge for a new lawyer, claiming that he doesn’t believe attorney Joe Terrnaova, who was appointed by the court, is representing his best interests and that they don’t get along.
The 25-year-old Mee has been charged with 13 felony counts of arson of an occupied structure and 19 felony counts of arson of a structure and one count of conspiracy — arson of a structure. He has also been charged with intentionally organizing, managing and directing a gang, and one count of possession of a weapon by a prohibited possessor, all of which are felonies.
Other charges Mee faces in relation to the case include four misdemeanor counts of arson of a structure and a civil offense of aggravated criminal damage. He remains in custody on $350,000 cash-only bond.
Yuma County Superior Court Judge Brandon Kinsey, who is presiding over the case, denied Mee’s request again, telling him that he doesn’t have the right to choose the attorney who is assigned to him, but he does have the right to hire one.
He added that Terranova is an extremely competent and experienced attorney, and changing attorneys at this point would only prolong his case.
During the hearing Terranova had asked the court for a continuance, explaining that he had received two portable computer drives filled with thousands of pages of social media posts that he needs time to review.
Prosecutor Megen Gallagher of the Yuma County Attorney’s Office did not object to the continuance, but added that the defense has been given a plea offer that will expire on Dec. 14.
“If (Mee) does not enter it by then, we plan to go to trial,” Gallagher said.
After hearing from both counsel, Kinsey rescheduled Mee’s next court appearance for 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 12.
Mee is also being represented by attorney Richard Edgar on a second unrelated case. In that case Mee has been charged with felony counts of possession of a weapon by a prohibited possessor, possession of marijuana for sale, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail in this case was set at $5,000 cash-only bond.
According to Yuma police, the fire broke out just before 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 29 at the Mesa Heights Apartment complex, which at the time was under construction in the 2100 block of Arizona Avenue. Nearby residents were evacuated.
Over 20 properties were damaged and six buildings were totally destroyed, including an apartment building and five homes. Six other vehicles or structures sustained significant damage, and there were 15 other small yard and debris fires, one of which burned a carport screen.