Case of man accused of multiple Winnipeg arsons in court Thursday

The case of a Winnipeg man accused in a string of arsons was briefly in a Winnipeg court Thursday.

The case of a Winnipeg man accused of 22 fires and break-ins at restaurants, businesses and constituency offices around the city was briefly in court Thursday.

Jesse Wheatland’s case appeared at the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, where it was adjourned until Nov. 25.

Martin Glazer, the lawyer for Wheatland, said he is still waiting for files from police.

“I understand the police investigation is still ongoing, so once we get information as to what evidence they have, then we can make a decision as to how to proceed,” Glazer said outside court.

Wheatland, 35, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with 13 counts of arson causing damage to property. He has also been charged with two counts of break and enter to commit arson, two counts of break and enter with intent, four counts of mischief under $5,000 and one count of arson with disregard for human life.

None of the charges have been proven in court and he remains in custody.

Police allege Wheatland is behind a rash of fires between June 11 and Nov. 18 in Winnipeg. Locations include La Roca, Johnny G’s, Boujee, the Exchange Event Centre, Commonwealth Kitchen and Bar and the constituency offices of Bernadette Smith and Nahanni Fontaine.

Police said these fires are not linked to previously reported extortion investigations.

-With files from CTV’s Milan Lukes and Danton Unger