Indiana man Randolph Linn, 52, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a hate crime committed during a religiously motivated arson attack on the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo. The incident, which caused significant damage to the mosque, was carried out using gasoline and firearms.
Linn pleaded guilty to charges including defacing, damaging, and destroying religious property, using fire to commit a felony, and using a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Roy L. Austin Jr. emphasized the Civil Rights Division’s commitment to bringing justice to those who desecrate places of worship.
United States Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach highlighted the significance of this sentence, noting that hate crimes target more than buildings but also American values. FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony praised the efforts of law enforcement partners in protecting citizens’ religious liberties.
Court documents detail Linn’s attempt to enter the mosque with firearms and gasoline cans, followed by his deliberate ignition of a prayer rug. The ATF confirmed that criminal damage to a house of worship is treated as a serious offense. Linn has agreed to pay restitution, potentially exceeding $1 million due to fire and water damage.
The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bridget M. Brennan, Ava Dustin, and Special Assistant U.S Attorney Gwen Howe-Gebers, with the investigation conducted by the Perrysburg Township Police Department, Ohio Fire Marshal, ATF, and FBI.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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