A man from New Mexico who pleaded guilty to setting fire to a church and preschool while dozens of children were inside has been sentenced to more than four years in prison.
Jonathan Barajas Nava, 37, of Albuquerque pleaded guilty in January to one count of damage to religious property, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
On April 24, 2024, Nava filled a gas can at a Yucaipa gas station and then drove to Retreat Church and Yucaipa Christian Preschool and poured the flammable liquid on the church’s front door.
He then ignited the gasoline which sparked a blaze that damaged the church’s interior carpet, the door frame seal, and an outdoor mat, all while 48 preschoolers and 14 staff members were inside.
Nava then traveled to a nearby strip mall and set fire to an exterior wall. That fire went out without causing any significant damaged.
He was arrested by authorities later that day, and he was eventually charged federally.
In January, he admitted to attempting to burn down the church for religious reasons.
“This arson was planned and targeted,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Nava] did not commit this crime in the heat of passion.”
The case was investigated by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and CAL FIRE.
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