US sentences mosque arsonist to 5 years

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

The U.S. on Tuesday sentenced a 32-year-old Missouri man to five years in prison for setting an area mosque ablaze, and attempting to do the same to a nearby women's reproductive health clinic.

Jedediah Stout pleaded guilty to setting the Islamic Society of Joplin mosque on fire, as well as two counts of attempted arson related to a nearby Planned Parenthood clinic.

Stout was also ordered to pay more than $700,000 in damages.

“No American should fear being the victim of violence simply for exercising their constitutional rights,” U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson said in a statement. “When hate and intolerance lead to criminal attacks, we will protect our citizens and defend their civil rights.”

Stout told investigators he did not like Islam and admitted to setting the Aug. 6, 2012, fire that destroyed the mosque, according to the Justice Department.

The blaze destroyed “many donations” made during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to the department.

Stout attempted to set the Joplin Planned Parenthood clinic ablaze Oct. 3 and 4, 2013, using the same methods that previously destroyed the Joplin mosque, the agency said.

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

The U.S. on Tuesday sentenced a 32-year-old Missouri man to five years in prison for setting an area mosque ablaze, and attempting to do the same to a nearby women's reproductive health clinic.

Jedediah Stout pleaded guilty to setting the Islamic Society of Joplin mosque on fire, as well as two counts of attempted arson related to a nearby Planned Parenthood clinic.

Stout was also ordered to pay more than $700,000 in damages.

Stout told investigators he did not like Islam and admitted to setting the Aug. 6, 2012, fire that destroyed the mosque, according to the Justice Department.

The blaze destroyed “many donations” made during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to the department.

Stout attempted to set the Joplin Planned Parenthood clinic ablaze Oct. 3 and 4, 2013, using the same methods that previously destroyed the Joplin mosque, the agency said.