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Investigators ask for tips to help find criminal who set fire at Mississippi church building

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An arson at a Winston County, Mississippi church office remains under investigation.

The fire was reported Wednesday at the New Zion Baptist Church around 7:30 a.m.  Investigators determined someone pushed in a window to get in the building.  Once inside, they set fire to couch cushions in an office. The fire did not spread and only smoldering cushions were discovered when staff arrived.

Officials have not yet determined a suspect or a motive.  A reward is offered for information leading to the arrest of the criminal who started the fire. Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Winston County Crime Stoppers at 662-773-9999.

 

Leader of Houston atheist group resigns amid sexual harassment claims

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A Houston, Texas secularist group this week announced its leader has resigned following an incident of sexual harassment.

A statement posted to the website of Houston Oasis states, “Mike Aus submitted his resignation as Executive Director of Houston Oasis. The Board of Directors has accepted his resignation. On Saturday June 9th, the Board of Directors became aware of an incident of sexual harassment by Mike Aus from a member of the Houston Oasis community.” You can read the entire statement here.

The group’s website says Houston Oasis is a community that meets weekly to enjoy fascinating talks, live music, and friendship among non-religious people in the greater Houston area.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

It is not the position of Texas Gospel that incidents such as this are evidence of a moral flaw among atheists.  To claim this would be to make the same hasty generalization often made by non-believers about Christians.  Every person has free will.  Unfortunately, some individuals choose to use their free will for acts such as is alleged in this case.

Two youth arrested for Las Vegas church arson

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Two minors have been arrested for a June 2017 church arson that caused over $13 million in damage. An Associated Press story printed in the Herald Courier says the names of the youth involved are not released because of their age.

https://twitter.com/skojis50/status/872014588220289024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktnv.com%2Fnews%2Fchurch-members-react-to-early-morning-fire

Church trustee Charlie Blake spoke to KTNV television the morning of the fire in 2017. “Even though it looks like it’s devastating, God will rebuild this church,” Blake said to the TV station.  “Everything happens for a reason,” he said.

No one was injured in the fire that damaged Zion Methodist Church’s building according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.  The paper said an ATF spokesperson is referring all questions about a motive for the fire to county prosecutors.

 

 

California woman breaks into Baptist church, rips Bibles, burns 10-foot cross

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Mug SHotA California woman faces a possible hate crime charge after she broke into a Baptist church, ripped Bibles and hymnals, and burned a 10-foot cross in the sanctuary.

Rio Vista Police say Danielle Ricafrente, 23, caused significant damage to the building of the Union Baptist Church Monday night. CBS 13 reports she was arrested on suspicion of burglary, arson of a church, felony vandalism and hate crimes against a church.

A report from The Sacramento Bee says Ricafrente also damaged musical instruments in the building.

Church Deacon Roger Benz told KCRA television He’s disappointed, willing to forgive.

The Rio Vista police department issued the following news release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/UPDATE

RIO VISTA POLICE ANNOUNCE ARREST IN CHURCH ARSON/VANDALISM

At around 9:15AM June 13, 2018, Rio Vista Police Officers responded to the Baptist Church on Sierra Drive regarding a vandalism that occurred to the interior of the Chapel. Significant damage was done to the interior of the Chapel area and a large cross behind the altar was set on fire. This crime possibly occurred between 8PM and midnight on June 12, 2018.

Rio Vista Police working with the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives developed a person of interest early in the investigation. Physical evidence has tied the person of interest to the crime scene along with video from a neighbor. Arrested for burglary, arson of a Church, felony vandalism and hate crimes against a Church was Danielle Ricafrente, age 23 of Rio Vista. Ricafrente was transported and booked into the Solano County Jail. The case will be reviewed by the US Attorney for possible federal charges.

RVPD would like to thank our federal partners for their assistance in this investigation.

Dan Dailey, Chief of Police

 

Men on bond for auto theft arrested for Alabama church vandalism

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Two Alabama men are charged in a church vandalism case involving over $50,000 in damage.

A police spokesperson said the pair broke into the Nichols Temple A.M.E. Church in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, on June 5.

WERC television reported the vandals destroyed six bathrooms and stole copper wire from the church’s A/C unit.  They also pulled pipes out of the walls and caused flooding throughout the building.

WSFA television posted surveillance videos of vandals inside the church.

Nicholas Rashad Lee, 23, and Cedric Jaquese Carter, 19, of Birmingham, are charged with burglary and criminal mischief.  Each is held on $10,000 bond according to jail records.

Jail records show both men had been previously released on bond for a non-related auto theft and sale that happened May 2018.

A motive for the vandalism has not been announced.