A criminal complaint was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn on Aug. 5 charging John Jones with intentionally setting fire to the South Bushwick Reformed Church at 855 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, on June 19. Jones was arrested earlier in Manhattan and will make his initial appearance at a later date in the Eastern District of New York.
The arrest was announced by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York Division; Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Lillian Bonsignore, Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
“As alleged, Jones intentionally set fire to a historic and beloved church, significantly damaging the structure,” said United States Attorney Nocella. “I commend the Special Agents and the NYPD Detectives who have worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend the perpetrator of this senseless act that has deeply wounded the Church’s congregation and the entire Bushwick community. Our Office will vigorously prosecute Jones to the full extent of the law. Arson is a terrible crime that strikes at the heart of public safety and endangers first responders.”
“This arrest reflects the strength of our law enforcement partnerships. Through coordinated efforts…we acted swiftly to hold [the] individual allegedly responsible accountable for setting fire to a historic church that has been part of New York City’s fabric since the 1850s,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo.
According to authorities, surveillance video captured Jones attempting unsuccessfully to enter the church between approximately 12:12 p.m. and 12:47 p.m. on June 19 before purchasing a lighter from a nearby convenience store around 12:30 p.m., then returning to walk around church property within its gates. A witness photo taken about an hour later showed smoke and burning on an area along Bushwick Avenue where Jones had been seen near.
The South Bushwick Reformed Church was constructed in the 1850s; it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and designated as a New York City Landmark in 1968.
If convicted on these charges—which remain allegations—Jones faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment up to twenty years’ imprisonment.