Overview
- Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, was charged by a federal grand jury with arson affecting interstate commerce, damaging religious property because of its character, and using fire during a federal felony.
- Justice Department officials announced the superseding three-count indictment returned Feb. 10 and emphasized the case will be prosecuted as a civil-rights offense.
- According to court documents, investigators allege Pittman used gasoline to ignite the Jan. 10 fire that severely damaged Beth Israel Congregation and the Southern Jewish Life institute offices.
- Local reporting says Pittman admitted setting the blaze and was captured on security video, while federal authorities note all charges remain allegations at this stage.
- Synagogue leaders report two Torah scrolls were destroyed and five damaged, recovery will take years, and a Feb. 18 court hearing is scheduled as FBI, ATF, and Jackson agencies continue the probe.