Springfield Church Arson Suspects Busted in Mass. Fire Case

Three suspects have been apprehended in connection with the fiery destruction of Springfield’s Macedonia Church of God in Christ, a hate crime that left the community reeling. Benjamin Haskell, 22, Michael Jacques, 24, and Thomas Gleason, 21, all from Springfield, were arrested early this morning on charges of civil rights violation.

Federal prosecutors, led by Acting Assistant Attorney General Grace Chung Becker and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Sullivan, have charged the trio with conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten, and intimidate the church’s predominantly African American congregation in their free exercise of religious rights.

According to court documents, Haskell, Jacques, and Gleason are accused of setting fire to the Macedonia Church building on November 5, 2008, when it was 75 percent complete. The blaze destroyed the structure, leaving only a portion of the front corner and metal superstructure standing. Investigators believe an incendiary device caused the fire, using gasoline applied both inside and out.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, ‘Racism has devastating effects on individuals and communities, and we will not tolerate those who victimize others.’ District Attorney William Bennett echoed these sentiments, highlighting the emotional toll the arson took on the community: ‘This crime is a strike against all of us, but it has also unified our resolve to hold those responsible accountable.’

The defendants face up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release if convicted. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Massachusetts State Police, Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, and Springfield Police Department. Trial Attorney Erin Aslan from the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Smyth and Kevin O’Regan are prosecuting the case.

The details in the complaint are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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