New charges brought against man accused of lighting Toomer's Corner tree on fire
Jochen Wiest, who was arrested for public intoxication and desecration of a venerable object in the alleged arson of a Toomer’s Corner tree, now faces an additional charge.
The first two charges, listed above, are misdemeanors, but due to the extent of the damage to the tree, authorities bumped a new charge up to the felony level:
“Auburn Police, working in conjunction with Auburn University and officials within the school’s horticultural department, determined that damage to the oak tree exceeds $2,500,” according to statement by police.
Wiest remains in the Lee County Jail on a $4,500 bond.