A Washington man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for federal civil rights and firearms offenses. Mikey Diamond Starrett, also known as Michael Jason Layes, was involved in four attacks on Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls in western Washington. In addition to the prison term, Starrett was ordered to pay $714,608.70 in restitution.
Starrett faced charges for violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, "The defendant in this case committed four attacks on Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls, causing fear and anguish to its members." She emphasized that religious freedom is a fundamental civil right and that violence based on religious prejudice is unacceptable.
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington commented on the impact of these attacks: “Starrett’s attacks irrevocably destroyed the sense of safety and peace that a house of worship is supposed to provide.” Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division noted that extensive efforts were made by law enforcement to investigate these crimes.
Court documents revealed that Starrett set fire to two Kingdom Halls and used a firearm against another due to their religious nature. The incidents resulted in significant damage, including the destruction of one hall.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the ATF Seattle Field Division, FBI Seattle Field Office, Tumwater Police Department, and Olympia Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Lerman and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum.