The Penticton man who allegedly burned down the local Toyota dealership has also been charged with intimidation of the justice system.
The intimidation charge dates back to the day after the fire, May 12, 2022, the same day that Donald Richard Lorenzetto and another man were arrested by police.
It would take almost a year before Lorenzetto was arrested again on May 8, 2023 and the charges of arson and mischief over $5,000 sworn against him.
The other man who was arrested in 2022 was never charged.
Now, after close to another year, a separate set of charges was sworn in on March 26, 2024; one count of intimidation of the justice system and one count of aggravated assault.
A charge of intimidation of the justice system alleges that Lorenzetto attempted to engage in conduct with the intent of provoking a state of fear in a justice system participant to impede them in their duties.
READ ALSO: Warrant issued after alleged Penticton Toyota arsonist fails to appear
The aggravated assault allegedly took place on May 16, 2023, the day before Lorenzetto appeared in court to consult his legal counsel on the arson case.
Lorenzetto is currently in custody, according to court records, with an arraignment hearing scheduled on the intimidation and assault charges on June 5.
The arson case is currently in the middle of a preliminary inquiry, with the next scheduled date to take place in Kelowna on June 3.
