Dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit, handcuffs, and shackles, Steven Allen Poff made an appearance Friday morning before Larimer County Judge Joseph Findley at the Larimer County Justice Center on a motion to change his bond.
Poff is charged with fourth degree arson, a class five felongy. He was arrested for allegedly starting an illegal campfire on July 10, less than a mile west of downtown, in a public right of way along the north side of West Elkhorn Avenue near Valley Road in Estes Park.
Poff, who has been in custody since his arrest, wanted to have the terms of his bond changed to a personal recognizance bond as he does not have a co-signer.
Noting the seriousness of fire conditions that could lead to “something catastrophic for a lot of communities,” and the fact that Poff does not have ties to the community, Findley denied the request. “I think that the bond was set with all of these factors in mind, yet it is still only a co PR bond, meaning that it’s attainable, even if it’s difficult. I’m going to keep bond right where it is.”
Poff, who is on probation in Wisconsin, is due back in court at the Larimer County Justice Center on Aug. 14 at 9:30. Fourth-degree arson is a class five felony. If convicted, an individual could be sentenced to up to three years in prison and face up to $10,000 in fines.