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Occupy Protester Accused Of Torching Fort Collins Condo Complex

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - A Fort Collins man suspected of torching two downtown buildings faces a slew of charges.

The Oct. 24 fire caused an estimated $10 million in damage.

Benjamin Gilmore, 29, has a few traffic violations and a DUI in his past, but nothing as serious as the arson charge. The crime scene investigation and several interviews led police to Gilmore.

The fire left everyone who lived in the complex without a home.

"As far as the fourth floor, we're not going to be able to go see it again," resident Saira Taylor said.

Gilmore is a beekeeper. He was part of the Occupy Fort Collins movement. Members of the movement said that Gilmore had been with them from the start, but they were quick to clarify that his motives didn't reflect their movement.

"He may have stopped by but he is in no way a direct relation to our movement," Occupy protester Julia Crisafi said. "We are peaceful protesters.

Benjamin Gilmore
Benjamin Gilmore (credit: CBS)

Gilmore's wife was in court for the hearing. She told the Fort Collins Coloradoan that Gilmore didn't start the fire, had no connection to the building and had no idea why he was a suspect.

Gilmore cried while he was in court and said he wanted to go home with his wife.

Gilmore faces charges of first-degree arson, second-degree burglary and criminal mischief. He's being held on a $250,000 bond.

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