Arizona man charged with hate crime for synagogue fire

PHOENIX — An Arizona man was charged on Tuesday for allegedly burning down a synagogue earlier this year, officials announced.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, 31-year-old Everardo Gregorio of Casa Grande faces a charge of obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs by fire.

If convicted of the charge, Gregorio would face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

Details on the synagogue fire Gregorio was charged for

According to prosecutors, the indictment alleges that Gregorio burned a synagogue in Casa Grande called Khal Chasidim on March 3.

It was noted that the fire destroyed a portion of the synagogue that included a place of worship for the Jewish community as well as a kosher grocery store and restaurant.

Prosecutors added that Gregorio is also being charged with arson by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for the synagogue fire and that the trial is pending.

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