ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A 27-year-old man who pleaded guilty to starting a fire at a St. Paul church has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Gregory Louis Knox pleaded guilty to one count of arson in March for a December fire at St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was sentenced Thursday.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press (https://bit.ly/1ISEQdP ) reports the fire caused an estimated $600,000 in damage and forced the congregation to worship elsewhere. They returned to their own church in February.
According to a criminal complaint, church officials and employees said Knox sought help applying for jobs over the summer, but that ties soured after thefts were traced to him.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors said they will not pursue charges for other alleged arsons.
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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, https://www.twincities.com
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