TOMS RIVER – A judge ruled Monday that the 19-year-old charged with starting a wildfire that scorched more than 15,300 acres in Ocean County will be released from custody and placed on home detention with electronic monitoring.
Superior Court Judge Pamela Snyder determined that Joseph Kling does not pose a significant risk to public safety or a flight risk. As a condition of his release, Kling will be confined to his residence and required to wear an ankle monitor.
Kling is accused of igniting the fire that became one of the largest wildfires in recent New Jersey history. The blaze forced evacuations and drew a large-scale response from state and local fire crews before being brought under control.
During the hearing, Snyder admonished Kling for giving false statements to investigators. “Snyder also chided Kling for later attempting to blame the fire on two fictitious people who he described as ‘Mexicans,’” according to court records.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the alleged arson yet.
Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges may be brought in connection with the false claims made during the investigation.
Wildfire suspect to remain under supervision pending trial
Kling’s release does not impact the ongoing criminal proceedings. He is expected to appear in court at a later date as the case proceeds. Prosecutors did not object to the home detention arrangement but emphasized that the charges are serious.
The wildfire destroyed vast areas of forest and posed threats to nearby communities, though no fatalities were reported.