LAX Leader

A New Mexico man has admitted to setting fire to a church and preschool in San Bernardino County, California, while children and staff were present. Jonathan A. Barajas Nava, 37, from Albuquerque, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of damaging religious property.

United States Attorney Martin Estrada commented on the case: "This defendant's violent actions against a religious property put lives - including those of children - in danger. I commend our federal and local partners for working together to arrest and prosecute this individual, whose criminal acts could have caused a much larger tragedy."

According to the plea agreement, Nava set fire to the Retreat Church and Yucaipa Christian Preschool on April 24, 2024. Before starting the fire, he purchased gasoline from a nearby station. He then poured it on the church's front door and ignited it using an open-flame device.

The fire caused damage to the church’s interior carpet, doorframe seal, and an outdoor mat. Fortunately, all staff and children inside evacuated safely.

Afterward, Nava attempted another arson at a nearby strip mall by setting fire to an exterior wall; however, no damage occurred there.

Nava acknowledged that his motive for setting the church ablaze was its religious nature. He was arrested on the same day of the incident and initially faced state charges before federal charges were filed.

United States District Judge John F. Walter has scheduled Nava's sentencing for March 31. Nava faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Austin D. Young and Peter Dahlquist are handling prosecution duties in this case.