Felon Accused Of Arson In Banning's Sunset Fire Pleads Not Guilty

BANNING, CA — A felon accused of lighting a fire that burned 103 acres on the north end of Banning, prompting evacuations, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to arson and other charges.

Andre Delgado Cox Jr., 45, was arrested Friday following an investigation by Cal Fire personnel.
Along with arson, Cox is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and a sentence-enhancing allegation of perpetrating arson in an area where a state of emergency exists. The emergency refers to a wildfire that occurred in the same general area last year, resulting in a declaration that has yet to be canceled.

The defendant was arraigned before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Joshlyn Pulliam, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Aug. 10 at the Banning Justice Center.
Cox is being held on $160,000 bail at the nearby Smith Correctional Facility.

According to Cal Fire, the defendant was allegedly directly involved in causing the "Sunset Fire," which erupted about 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the area of Gilman and Mesa streets, at the foot of the San Bernardino National Forest.

The means and motive were not disclosed.

The brush fire prompted evacuation orders and warnings around Repplier Road and San Gorgonio Avenue. Several roads were also closed. The evacuations were lifted after the brusher was fully contained Friday.

No injuries were reported, and no structures were lost.

According to court records, Cox has prior convictions in another jurisdiction that resulted in prison time, but the offenses weren't listed.