Overview
- A federal grand jury on Feb. 10 charged Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, with three counts tied to the Jan. 10 fire at Beth Israel Congregation and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life.
- The indictment alleges violations of 18 U.S.C. 844(i), 18 U.S.C. 247, and 18 U.S.C. 844(h), covering arson affecting commerce, damage to religious property, and use of fire during a federal felony.
- Court documents state gasoline was used to ignite the building, causing extensive damage that rendered the facility inoperable for an indefinite period.
- The FBI, ATF, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson Fire Department are investigating, with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division assigned.
- Synagogue leaders report two Torahs destroyed and others damaged, services have moved to a nearby church, a Feb. 18 court hearing is set, and a conviction on the federal counts could carry up to 50 years in prison and $750,000 in fines.