A Catoosa County man accused of setting fire to Chattanooga’s Masonic Center did not negotiate a plea deal with federal prosecutors by his Tuesday deadline but asked for a last-minute extension to consider the government’s offer.
Kadum Harwood is federally charged with arson, traveling in interstate commerce to carry on arson and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, the indictment shows. Harwood pleaded not guilty to all counts.
His public defender, J. Damon Burk, filed an unopposed motion Tuesday to continue Harwood’s case shortly before the federal courts closed.
Harwood’s trial was scheduled to begin May 7 at the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and Courthouse, but Burk has requested a 30-day extension.
“Currently, Mr. Harwood has additional questions on how best to proceed,” the motion states. “If Mr. Harwood wishes to proceed to trial, additional time is needed to acquire an expert to review this matter and consult with counsel.”