ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque man was sentenced today to federal prison Monday for setting a California church and preschool on fire while children and school employees were inside.
Jonathan A. Barajas Nava, 37, set fire to the Retreat Church and Yucaipa Christian Preschool, just outside of San Bernardino, on April 24, 2024. Investigators said Nava poured gasoline on the church’s front door and set it on fire.
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The school had 14 staff members and 48 kids inside. They were able to evacuate, and no injuries were reported. Officials said the church’s interior carpet, the doorframe seal, and an outdoor mat were damaged by the fire.
After the first fire, investigators said Nava traveled to a nearby strip mall and set fire to the exterior wall, which resulted in no damage. He was arrested later that day.
Nava admitted in his plea agreement that he set fire to the church because of its religious character. Nava pleaded guilty on Jan. 17 to one count of damage to a religious property.
United States District Judge John F. Walter sentenced Nava to 51 months in prison and ordered him to pay $7,008 in restitution.