A Rhode Island man has been sentenced to over six years in federal prison for setting fires around a predominantly black church and assaulting federal officers. Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty to charges including malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and assault on federal officers. U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., handed down the 78-month sentence, which includes three years of supervised release.
Colantonio admitted to using gasoline and a lighter to ignite five fires around Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries in North Providence on February 11, 2024. The church sustained damage despite rapid response from local police who extinguished the fires shortly after they were set.
The incident disrupted church services and affected congregants' ability to practice their faith until repairs could be made. Prior to the arson, the pastor had reported an attempted break-in captured on the church’s Ring camera system. The pastor identified Colantonio as the individual seen attempting entry and later damaging the camera.
Following his arrest, Colantonio was involved in an incident at Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility where he assaulted two federal correctional officers with bodily fluids contained in a mug.
Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan and Taylor Payne are prosecuting the case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation into the fires with support from local law enforcement agencies.
