S.C. pastor charged with setting fire at his church

[March 11, 2009]  BELTON, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities charged a South Carolina pastor accused of setting fire to his own church with second-degree arson.

Anderson County Fire Chief Billy Gibson said Christopher Daniels, 40, reported a fire at Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Belton when he opened the church for services Sunday morning.

Gibson said the century-old church suffered moderate fire damage and significant smoke damage. Members said the church changed names recently and was vandalized with graffiti a few months ago.

Daniels remains at the Anderson County jail under a $25,000 bond. Jail officials didn't know if he had an attorney and a message left at his home wasn't immediately returned.

[Associated Press]

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