Man Guilty of Setting Fire to Latter-day Saint Chapel Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison

A serious attack on the right to religious freedom.

That was one of the charges faced by Christopher Scott Pritchard, 48, who admitted to intentionally setting fire to a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 2021.

The incident occurred in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and, according to court reports issued last Thursday, completely destroyed the sacred building, forcing the congregation to relocate and rent another space to worship.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division explained the gravity of the attack, highlighting that the chapel facilities were often a collection center for humanitarian causes:

“Before this tragic fire, the Church opened its doors to all, helped feed the hungryand supported those in need. Attacks on places of worship undermine the fundamental right to practice one’s religion without fear or violence . ”

Penalty of up to 20 years

The man will also have to pay a hefty fine for the attack. Image: Southeast Missourian

For his part, the deputy director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigation Division, Chad Yarbrough, also condemned the behavior of the accused, lamenting that crimes against faith continue to increase:

“No one should have to live in fear because of their religious beliefs . The FBI will vigorously pursue anyone who attempts to infringe on the ability of churchgoers to exercise their constitutional right to religious freedom .”

Pritchard is scheduled to be sentenced on February 18, 2025, facing up to 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.

He will also face a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge, although a federal district court judge could even impose a greater punishment if he deems it necessary.

“We are grateful that no one was physically injured when the church was destroyed by arson ,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Greg Heeb of the FBI’s St. Louis Field Office.

To date, there has been no official statement from the Church of Jesus Christ on the accused’s statement or the ongoing trial.

Source: Breitbart