Joshua Adams Hale, Arson, South Dakota 2020

Cherry Creek, South Dakota – A devastating crime has shaken the quiet town of Cherry Creek, as a man has been indicted on a charge of arson. Joshua Adams Hale, a 29-year-old resident, has been accused of setting fire to and burning a building.

The Indictment alleges that on January 9, 2020, at Cherry Creek, in Ziebach County, South Dakota, Hale willfully and maliciously set fire to and burned a building, namely, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel. The chapel was completely destroyed by the fire.

According to the United States Attorney Ron Parsons, Hale waived his personal appearance on March 26, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 25 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 4 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.

Hale was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set. The charge is merely an accusation and Hale is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The people of Cherry Creek are still reeling from the devastating loss of their beloved chapel. The community is coming together to support one another during this difficult time. The case serves as a reminder of the severity of arson and the importance of taking it seriously.

The indictment is a significant step in the investigation, and it is hoped that it will bring closure to the victims and the community. The case will continue to be closely followed by the people of Grimy Times, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Related Federal Cases