Ohio Man Tries To Burn Down Church - Sentenced to 18 years in prison
Aimenn D. Penny, a 20-year-old Ohio resident, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following his guilty plea to federal charges related to his attempted arson of the Community Church of Chesterland in March 2023. The US Department of Justice announced on Tuesday that Penny's actions were in response to the church's plans to host drag show events.
Penny pleaded guilty in October to violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and using fire and explosives to commit a felony. Post-incarceration, he faces three years of supervised release.
The case gained national attention when Penny, reportedly associated with the neo-Nazi group White Lives Matter, attempted to destroy the church with Molotov cocktails. His motive, as stated during an FBI interview, was to "protect children and stop the drag show event."
Investigations revealed that Penny caused scorch marks on the church's front door and exterior signs. Items like a burnt matchstick, a gasoline-filled spray bottle, and broken glass pieces from vodka and beer bottles were found at the scene.
A breakthrough in the case came after authorities received a tip leading to the collection of Penny's cellphone location data. A subsequent search of his home uncovered Nazi memorabilia, a gas mask, and gas cans, among other items.
The Justice Department strongly condemned Penny's actions, with Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasizing the department's commitment to prosecuting bias-motivated violence against religious freedoms and expression.
Despite the attack, the church, led by Rev. Jess Peacock, proceeded with its planned drag queen story hour and brunch. Rev. Peacock expressed the congregation's forgiveness towards Penny, stating that the incident united the community and strengthened their resolve against fear and hate.
In response to Penny's sentencing, Rev. Peacock highlighted the outpouring of support the church received, which countered Penny's intentions of spreading fear and hate. The church's resilience in the face of adversity was underscored by Peacock's assertion that their community's spirit transcends the physical structure of their building.
