Derick Almena, 49, and Max Harris, 29, have been in jail since they were charged in June 2017, six months after the so-called Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland during an electronic music show. Prosecutors allege that Almena illegally converted the industrial building into an unlicensed entertainment venue and artist live-work space. They say Harris collected rent and scheduled concerts.
Almena rented the building, which was permitted only to store industrial and commercial products. Instead, Almena converted the dilapidated building into a series of bedrooms, places to park campers and concert rooms. Prosecutors say the pair crammed the warehouse with highly flammable furniture, art pieces and other knick-knacks that made it difficult for new visitors to quickly find exits during the fast-moving Dec. 2, 2016 fire.
Judge James Cramer said he rejected the plea deal because he felt Almena did not show remorse. Because the Alameda County district attorney's office insisted the plea bargains were a package deal, Cramer reluctantly rejected Harris' agreement as well, though the judge said he felt he was remorseful.In the current case, the judge has issued a gag order that prevents attorneys from discussing the case publicly.
Warehouse owner Chor Ng, who has never been charged, is also being sued for negligence in the lawsuits by the families. She and her attorney, Stephen Dreher, did not return email and phone messages seeking comment.
They look innocent to me. We need to stop victimizing these people! PRAYFORTHEM
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