Missouri man pleads guilty to arson fire that destroyed a church

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man could face up to 25 years in prison after admitting to setting a fire that destroyed a church. Christopher Scott Pritchard pleaded guilty Thursday to two federal charges for setting ablaze the Church of Latter-Day Saints in Cape Girardeau on April 28, 2021. The fire quickly engulfed the church building. No one was inside and no one was injured, but the building was a total loss. Authorities said at the time that church officials sought extra police patrol two days before the fire after Pritchard threatened to assault a bishop and “burn the church down.” Sentencing is Feb. 18.