Bidwell Mansion arson suspect pleads no contest

Kevin Alexander Carlson has entered a no contest plea to felony arson charges related to the December 11 fire that destroyed the historic Bidwell Mansion in Chico, California. Prosecutors revealed that Carlson used an accelerant, likely gasoline, to start the fire, leading to significant structural damage estimated at over $30 million. Carlson's plea effectively serves as an admission of guilt, and he faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison, with sentencing set for March 5. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey noted that Carlson's decision to plead no contest was influenced by the extensive evidence against him, which included surveillance footage. The mansion, a California Historical Landmark, is undergoing discussions for its future, with community input expected as part of the recovery process. Carlson's case has highlighted the impact of recent legislative changes, as a later arson incident could have resulted in a substantially longer sentence due to Proposition 36.