The man accused of setting 52 fires around Los Angeles was charged with 28 counts of arson of property and nine counts of arson of an inhabited structure on Wednesday. Further charges are expected as the investigation continues.

“The complaint also alleges that the arson was caused by use of a device designed to accelerate the fire," Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley said in a statement. "If found true, the allegation could mean additional custody time for the defendant."

ABC News reported Tuesday Harry Burkhart, a 24-year-old from Germany, had been labelled "the most dangerous arsonist in L.A. history" by authorities, having allegedly terrorized the city for four days.

Anti-American sentiment likely drove the rampage; upon arrest, Burkhart reportedly told police, "I hate America."

From ABC News:

Burkhart, a German national, may have been motivated by his anger at U.S. immigration authorities that stemmed from a deportation hearing involving his mother, Dorothee, that took place in Los Angeles County about a week and a half ago, sources told ABC News exclusively.

Burkhart reportedly broke into in a tirade, spewing angry anti-American statements, during the hearing for his mother, said the subject of a provisional arrest request by Germany.

It was this incident that eventually led police to zero in on Burkhart as a suspect after a tip came from an official at the State Department.

ABC News has learned from sources that a possible reason for his mother's deportation may be that her address and phone number -- and that of her son -– were linked to a business, specifically a massage website, Hollywoodtantramassage.com.

Burkhart awaits his court date in custody, with bail set at $250,000.

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