SIERRA COUNTY — January 25, 2024 - After over a year of delays, Sierra County has finally achieved justice in connection with the Berry Fire that occurred on August 22, 2022. Today, Dillon James Schneider, the individual implicated in starting the Berry Fire, faced sentencing for his involvement.

Mr. Schneider, who has been held in custody at Wayne Brown Correctional Facility since August 23, 2022, received a sentence of 6 years and 4 months in State Prison. Following today's proceedings, he will be transferred to the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to serve his sentence.

In addition to prison time, Mr. Schneider has been mandated to pay restitution for fire suppression costs, the exact amount of which will be determined in due course.

During the sentencing, Mr. Schneider expressed remorse, extending his apologies to the court and the Forest Service personnel present. He pledged to amend his ways and contribute positively to society upon release.

The District Attorney commends the Sierra County Sheriff's Office for their exceptional investigative efforts leading to Mr. Schneider's arrest. She also extends gratitude to the firefighters and investigators at the US Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal-Fire) for their unwavering professionalism in swiftly containing the fire and aiding in the prosecution of this case.