An Indiana man faces a likely sentence of 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to hate crimes stemming from the arson of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo.
Randolph Linn, 52, of St. Joe, Ind., pleaded guilty to three counts: (1) intentionally defacing, damaging and destroying religious real property because of the religious character of that property; (2) using fire to commit a felony; and (3) using and carrying a firearm to commit a crime of violence.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, both parties recommend a sentence of 20 years in prison.
The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, a mosque in Toledo, Ohio, was the target of a hate crime in 2012 when Randolph Linn set fire to the prayer rug in the mosque’s prayer room.
Linn used a handgun to gain entry into the mosque and poured gasoline on the prayer rug before setting it on fire, causing significant damage to the mosque.
According to court documents, Linn acknowledged that he intentionally set the fire because of the religious character of the Islamic Center property.
Linn agreed to pay restitution and understands that the amount may exceed $1 million due to the amount of fire and water damage sustained by the Islamic Center.
The case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, Perrysburg Township Police Department, and the state of Ohio Fire Marshal.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime