A South Carolina man has admitted to setting fire to a central Georgia church, and now faces up to 20 years in prison.
Luke Andrew Westefeld, 34, of North Augusta, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to one count of malicious use of fire in federal court on April 6, 2024.
The crime occurred at the Byron United Methodist Church in Macon, Georgia, where Westefeld intentionally set fire to the building, causing significant damage.
Westefeld’s guilty plea comes after an investigation by federal authorities, who determined that the fire was not an accident, but rather a deliberate act of arson.
Under federal sentencing guidelines, Westefeld is eligible for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
There is no parole in the federal system, meaning that Westefeld will serve his entire sentence behind bars if convicted.
The Byron United Methodist Church fire is just the latest example of the devastating impact of arson on communities. Arson crimes often cause significant damage to property, and can also have a profound emotional impact on those affected by the crime.
As the investigation into this case continues, our thoughts are with the community affected by this senseless act of violence.
Related Federal Cases
- Santonio Dwayne Ramsey, Federal Escape, GA 2024 · South Carolina
- David Mitchell, IV, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Birmingham AL, 2023 · Georgia
- Jamie Dean Fountain, Firearms Possession, Georgia 2024 · South Carolina
- Andrew Whittington, Methamphetamine Possession, SC 2018 · South Carolina
- Luxury Auto Ring Busted in Charlotte · Kentucky
Key Facts
ðŸâ€ÂÂÂÂ’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
All Alabama Cases →All Districts →
