Saint John Vianney Catholic Church (KTLA / April 16, 2011) |
HACIENDA HEIGHTS (KTLA) -- Authorities charged a suspect on Wednesday in connection with a arson fire at a Hacienda Heights church last year.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office filed charges against 34-year-old Gregory Shiga after he was arrested on Monday by detectives from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department.
The fire at the St. John Vianney Church occurred on April 16, 2011 and caused $6.5 million in damage, the Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
Shiga is on parole and being held without bail. If convicted, he could face up to 12 years to life in state prison.
The arrest was made after an investigation that lasted 13 months.
Two priests and a seminarian were reportedly inside a rectory located next to the church at the time of the incident.
One of the priests reported hearing an explosion, authorities said, which may have been the sound of windows breaking.
Drivers on the 60 Freeway located next to the church reported seeing the flames from their vehicles.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office filed charges against 34-year-old Gregory Shiga after he was arrested on Monday by detectives from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department.
The fire at the St. John Vianney Church occurred on April 16, 2011 and caused $6.5 million in damage, the Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
Shiga is on parole and being held without bail. If convicted, he could face up to 12 years to life in state prison.
The arrest was made after an investigation that lasted 13 months.
Two priests and a seminarian were reportedly inside a rectory located next to the church at the time of the incident.
One of the priests reported hearing an explosion, authorities said, which may have been the sound of windows breaking.
Drivers on the 60 Freeway located next to the church reported seeing the flames from their vehicles.
