El Dorado County (Oct 12, 2024) – Ryan Lapp, a Lincoln resident, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for multiple counts of arson in 2023. Over several days, he maliciously set fire to various forested areas in Placer County, including locations in Auburn, Lincoln, and Rocklin. Lapp used incendiary devices like waterproof matches and paper napkin wicks to ignite the fires, displaying premeditation. His actions posed significant danger, especially considering the high risk of wildfires. Authorities noted that Lapp showed no remorse for his crimes, further underscoring the seriousness of the case. On October 7, 2024, an El Dorado County judge sentenced Lincoln resident Ryan Lapp to state prison for the arson of a cabin in Coloma on August 20, 2022. This arson was just one in a series of arsons committed by Lapp in Amador, El Dorado, Placer and Yuba Counties. Lapp was identified as the suspect after he was observed on security video from a gas station and was reported to be acting strangely interested in a fire burning nearby. Lapp was seen watching the fire for approximately one hour. Investigators surveilled Lapp, ultimately catching him. Ryan Lapp had previously been sentenced to a state prison sentence of 10 years and 4 months for his crimes in Placer and Amador counties. Lapp received a consecutive sentence of 16 additional months in state prison, for a total of 11 years and 8 months.
Feeding the Teams: How the Comstock Silver Rush Forged Placerville’s Freight Routes
An 1860s photo of freight teams on the Placerville Route tells a larger story—how the Comstock Silver Rush hardened men,...
