DENVER -- Former U.S. Forest Service employee Terry Barton returned to federal court on Tuesday to ask a federal judge if she could remove her electronic ankle bracelet which monitors her whereabouts.

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Reaction To The Barton Plea

Her request was denied.

U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch said that Barton must wear the bracelet used to monitor as a condition of her bail.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Matsch said Barton failed to consider the consequences of her actions when she started the fire, and could easily do the same if she was no longer monitored.

"It comes to this: there is a judgment day coming, and I am very concerned that Barton may fail to consider the consequences of her actions once again," he said in refusing the motion.

Barton was first sent to a halfway house. Matsch ruled in September that she could be released to a private home but must wear the electronic bracelet.

Barton, whose job included spotting illegal fires, told investigators she accidentally started the blaze while burning a letter from her estranged husband. Investigators believed she started the fire deliberately.

Barton pleaded guilty in December to two federal charges for setting the 137,000 acre Hayman Fire last summer and lying to investigators.

She also pleaded guilty to a state charge of fourth-degree arson on Monday in Cripple Creek.

Barton will be sentenced on federal charges Feb. 21. She faces sentencing on the state charge March 5.

Barton is currently free on $600,000 bond.