JACKSON, Mich. — A judge ruled for the prosecution at a hearing for Nikki Joly.
Joly is the gay-rights activist accused of intentionally starting a fire that destroyed his Jackson County home in 2017.
At today's hearing, Joly's attorney argued that police read client privileged emails between Joly and his attorney.
They argued that this led police to two witnesses.
These witnesses are expected to testify that Joly asked them to store a lawnmower and gas can that were at his house the time of the fire.
The judge in his ruling rejected that argument and said the emails were not privileged.
Joly's attorney believes this was a bad decision and they plan to appeal.
This decision is now headed to Michigan's Court of Appeals.
As a result, the court stayed other legal actions pending the appeal.
Prosecutors say Nikki Joly started the August 2017 fire at his home on Pringle Avenue that killed his five pets.
Joly is charged with first-degree arson and faces up to life in prison if convicted.
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