Suspect seeks jury trial in massive South Carolina wildfire
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - An attorney for the woman accused of sparking the massive Carolina Forest wildfire says they want a jury trial.
Alexandra Bialousow and her attorney, Jonny McCoy, were supposed to have a hearing Tuesday at 10 a.m., but that was canceled as they requested a jury trial in the case.
Bialousow allegedly started a fire to burn debris on March 1 in a backyard fire pit close to a tree line in the Covington Lakes community.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission said Bialousow “did not have an appropriate water source readily available” or “any garden tools on hand to control the fire.”
SCFC said Bialousow’s lack of resources led the fire to spread to land owned by Walker Woods HOA.
Days later, SCFC charged Bialousow with negligently allowing fire to spread to lands of another and regulation of fires on certain lands chapter violation.
Bialousow faces up to 60 days in prison and a $400 fine if convicted.
McCoy previously told our sister station WMBF News, that he wants authorities to dismiss both charges against his client.
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