A New Mexico man, Jonathan A. Barajas Nava, received a 51-month federal prison sentence for setting fire to a church and preschool in San Bernardino County. The ruling was made by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who additionally ordered Nava to pay $7,008 in restitution. The incident took place last April, with Nava pleading guilty to one count of damage to a religious property on January 17.
Nava, 37, traveled from Albuquerque to Yucaipa, where he set fire to the Retreat Church and Yucaipa Christian Preschool. Before the arson, he bought a gasoline can at a nearby station and used it to start a fire at the church's front door with an open-flame device. The fire caused damage to the church's interior carpet, doorframe seal, and an outdoor mat, but the occupants were able to evacuate safely.
Following the church arson, Nava attempted to set another fire at a nearby strip mall, which did not result in any damage. He was detained the same day. In his plea deal, Nava acknowledged targeting the church due to its religious nature.
"This arson was planned and targeted," stated prosecutors in their sentencing memorandum. "[Nava] did not commit this crime in the heat of passion."
The investigation into the incident involved multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office led the prosecution.