Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Man accused in Walmart fire to be jailed until trial

The man accused of starting the Clovis Walmart fire on Sept. 3 will be jailed without bond until trial, a district court judge ruled last week.

Judge Ben Cross, at a pretrial detention hearing, found Jimmy Guillen, 59, to be "dangerous and a threat to the community," according to a news release from District Attorney Quentin Ray.

Guillen, a transient who came to Clovis just a few days before the fire, was indicted Friday on charges of arson, aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon, tampering with evidence and felon in possession of a firearm, records show.

Walmart officials said the fire caused about $42 million in damages and forced the store's closure. It partially reopened earlier this month.

Guillen faces 25 ½ years in prison if convicted on all charges. He is being held in the Curry County Adult Detention Center.

His attorney, Angelina Baca, did not return messages seeking comment.

 
 
Rendered 12/19/2024 15:41