A two-count federal indictment was filed against 23-year-old Ronald Pudder, who is charged with arson in an attempt to destroy the First Azusa Apostolic Faith Church of God; in late May.
Flames never penetrated the doors, though some type "accelerant" was found on all the church entrances. Firefighters extinguished a blaze at the main entrance.
Today, US Attorney Steven Dettlebach said the image of what Pudder's admitted to doing... far outweighs the actual damage.
STEVEN DETTELBACH:
"This is an act of violence - as alleged in the indictment - that strikes at the heart, of peoples' faith, of peoples' belief, of the community, and of who we are as Americans."
The incident is classified as a hate crime because Pudder's alleged actions were interpreted as intentionally damaging, destroying, and attempting to destroy religious property, because of the race, color, and ethnic characteristics of individuals associated with that property,
Underscoring that intensity to investigate was Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez, the nation's top civil rights enforcement official; who came to Cleveland for the announcement - and expressed disappointment at having cases like Pudder's to investigate.
THOMAS PEREZ:
"I wish I could say that the incident that is the subject of today's indictment is an isolated incident, but regrettably we see hate crimes on the rise across the country."
Church members repaired, and continue to use the nearly 50 year old building. There is no date set for Pudder's next court appearance.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
