By Paul Tuthill
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Springfield, MA – Three white men now stand convicted of a racially motivated arson fire in Western Massachusetts. Authorities say a predominately black church in Springfield was destroyed out of anger after the election of President Barack Obama.. WAMC'S Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports .
26 year old Michael Jacques of Springfield surrendered to US Marshalls Friday to be detained until sentencing He showed up at noon at the federal court house in Springfield still declaring his innocence and denying he is a racist
But a jury that was presented evidence during a 21 day trial concluded Jacques and his two co-conspirators agreed to burn down and did burn down the Macedonia Church of God in Christs' newly constructed building within hours of the November 2008 election of Barack Obama as the country's first African-American President.. There was testimony that they had used racial slurs in the past, and had voiced alarm about the prospect of a black man becoming president.
Minutes before he would be taken into custody, a day after the jury's verdict, reporters asked Jacques if he felt any remorse
The US Attorney for Massachusetts, Carmen Ortiz, in a statement, said she was very pleased with the jury's verdict. She the fire had inflicted much more than physical damage on the community, and the crime was symbolic and personal in nature..
Jacques was the only one of three who held out for a jury trial. Benjamin Haskell of Springfield pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison. Thomas Gleason also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Jacques, who was convicted on three counts faces up to 60 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for September 15th.
The pastor of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ, Bishop Bryant Robinson reacted to the conclusion of the criminal cases .
Work continues to rebuild the church. Bishop Robinson says they hope to have it completed this summer. He support in the form of donations, volunteer labor, words of encouragement and prayers have come from across the country in the last two half a years .
Bishop Robinson says the fire also brought Springfield's churches closer together. A large ecumenical service now takes place each year the day before Thanksgiving.