Brooklyn Man Charged In Historic Church Arson

BROOKLYN, NY— A Brooklyn man faces a federal arson charge after prosecutors alleged he deliberately set fire to one of Bushwick's oldest churches, leaving a landmark that stood since the 1850s heavily damaged.

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York identified the defendant as John Jones, 24, of Brooklyn.

The NYPD arrested him in Manhattan, and prosecutors charged him in a criminal complaint with intentionally setting fire to South Bushwick Reformed Church at 855 Bushwick Ave. on June 19.

If convicted, Jones faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years.

According to the complaint, surveillance cameras documented Jones attempting to enter the church between about 12:12 p.m. and 12:47 p.m.

When he could not get inside, prosecutors reported he walked to a nearby convenience store.

Inside the store, Jones asked the cashier "for a lighter" before purchasing one, according to the news release.

Authorities allege he then returned to the church property, walking around the grounds and inside the gates.

A witness photographed smoke and low flames near the Bushwick Avenue side of the church at about 1:27 p.m.

Jones appeared near the same section of the building shortly before the fire became visible, according to authorities.

The New York City Fire Department later determined the blaze had been intentionally set.

South Bushwick Reformed Church has anchored the neighborhood for more than a century and a half.

Built in the 1850s, the church received New York City landmark designation in 1968 and joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

"As alleged, Jones intentionally set fire to a historic and beloved church, significantly damaging the structure," U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said. "Arson is a terrible crime that strikes at the heart of public safety and endangers first responders."

More than 190 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to battle the flames. No injuries were reported.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the alleged crime endangered both worshippers and the surrounding community.

"New Yorkers deserve to practice their faith freely and without fear, and the destruction of this sacred New York City landmark will be met with swift justice," Tisch said.

As of Thursday morning, the federal court docket did not list a date for Jones' initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York.