Former New Mexico Firefighter Faces Arson Charge

A San Juan County, N.M., volunteer firefighter accused of setting his truck on fire to collect insurance money waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Farmington Magistrate Court.

The case against 23-year-old Jonathan Ziemer will be heard in district court.

Farmington police say Ziemer faces third-degree felony arson to collect insurance money and third-degree felony false insurance application.

San Juan County Fire Chief Larry Marcum said Ziemer was removed from service March 3, the day he was arrested.

Ziemer worked for the department for more than one year.

Marcum believes this is the first time a volunteer firefighter has been accused of arson.