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Basic Evidence Sealed In Fort Collins Arson Case

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - A judge has sealed basic evidence against a man charged with starting a large fire last month in Old Town Fort Collins.

The Oct. 24 fire destroyed a building under construction and heavily damaged the four story Penny Flats building. It caused an estimated $10 million in damage and displaced several people who lived in apartments or condos there.

Benjamin Gilmore, 29, is charged with first degree arson, second degree burglary and criminal mischief. On Thursday he made his first court appearance in Larimer County court.

His attorney asked that Gilmore's bond be reduced and that cameras not be allowed in the courtroom.

A new hearing is set for next week.

The judge says court records won't be unsealed until after the preliminary hearing on Dec. 19.

Gilmore is a beekeeper with the Colorado Pollination Company and has a honey store called "The Hive" in Fort Collins.

fire
(credit: Poudre Fire Authority)

Craig Coleman knows Gilmore through the Occupy Fort Collins protests. He described Gilmore as good natured and friendly.

"He's a kind person. I've never heard anything remotely related to causing violence. I've heard nothing related to the fire," said Coleman.

Investigators haven't said the evidence against Gilmore has any connection to the Occupy protests, but protesters have been frustrated with a sense of guilt by association that they believe is distracting from their message.

"It's caused difficulties," said Coleman. "You can't have the entire Occupy movement or Occupy Fort Collins pinned on a suspected crime."

Several Occupy protesters came to court for Gilmore's first appearance. He waved and smiled to this family and friends.

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