A woman facing arson charges on suspicion of sparking the Highland Lakes fire in Teller County last year waived her preliminary hearing Friday, blocking prosecutors from revealing additional details of the alleged crime.

Lowa Tillitt, 77, also referred to as Lacey Tillitt in public records, was arrested Jan. 16 after allegedly starting the fire that burned 166 acres northwest of Divide on Oct. 28. More than 700 households were evacuated, law enforcement has said.

Tillitt faces one count of felony arson after allegedly endangering more than $1 million in property.

Preliminary hearings — also referred to as "mini trials" by the Department of Justice — allow the prosecutor to introduce evidence not previously seen by the public to encourage the judge to bind over charges for trial. Defe

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