Alan Douglas Fox, Church Arsons, Tennessee 2019

A Nashville man was sentenced to federal prison for intentionally setting fire to four churches in the Middle Tennessee area in 2019.

Alan Douglas Fox, 29, of Nashville, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for a series of church arsons which occurred in 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Fox was charged by criminal information on August 25, 2021, and pleaded guilty to all counts on October 20, 2021.

According to court documents and statements made during the plea and sentencing hearings, Fox intentionally set fire to the Crievewood United Methodist Church on June 17, 2019; the Crievewood Baptist Church on June 25, 2019; the Saint Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church on June 25, 2019; and the Priest Lake Community Baptist Church on June 26, 2019, all because of their religious character.

Additionally, Fox carried and used a handgun to break into the Crievewood Baptist Church to facilitate the arson. The fires resulted in significant damage to all four churches.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and the Nashville Fire Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Schiferle and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division.

The case highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in solving complex crimes. The investigation and prosecution of Fox demonstrate the commitment of the federal government to protecting the rights of all individuals and communities.

Defendant: Alan Douglas Fox

Criminal Charges: Intentionally setting fire to four churches in the Middle Tennessee area

City and State: Nashville, Tennessee

Exact Date: June 17, 2019 (first arson), August 25, 2021 (charged), and October 20, 2021 (pleaded guilty)

Sentence or Outcome: Seven years in federal prison

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