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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2002

A Bureau of Indian Affairs contract firefighter accused of helping to start the largest fire in Arizona history was ruled incompetent to stand trial.

A federal judge canceled Leonard Gregg's January 7 trial for arson. He will remain in custody and undergo another mental evaluation in four months. At that point, he could face another ruling on his mental status.

Gregg is a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. According to The Arizona Republic, he appeared in court with a translator.

Based on the competency ruling, his lawyer is seeking to have alleged statements of admission for the Rodeo-Chedeski blaze thrown out of court.

Get the Story:
Suspect in 'Rodeo' blaze not competent (The Arizona Republic 12/17)
Username: IndianzCom, Password: indianz.com
Firefighter's ability to face arson charges in question (AP 12/17)

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