On October 15, local time, CCTV reporters learned that a U.S. federal grand jury indicted 29-year-old Jonathan Lindknecht on three counts related to arson that day, including two new felony charges.

Prosecutors accused Lindknecht of deliberately setting fire on January 1 and triggering the "Palisades" forest fire.The fire was initially controlled, but resumed a few days later due to the strong wind, evolving into one of the most devastating fires in Los Angeles' history, killing 12 people, destroying about 6,000 buildings and economic losses of up to $150 billion.

Lindknecht had previously been arrested in Florida and charged with arson to destroy property. Now he has been added to the crime of "arson affecting interstate commerce" and "arson to forest."If all the charges are confirmed, he faces a maximum of 45 years in prison.

The Justice Department said the suspect is currently in detention without warrant and is expected to appear in court in the next few weeks in the Los Angeles federal court.