Posted on 07/24/2022 1:50:25 PM PDT by Morgana
RALEIGH COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a fire that destroyed a historic West Virginia church, according to court records.
Braxton Allan Miller, 18, of Charleston, and James Dean Elmore, 19, of Beckley were charged for their alleged roles in an arson that leveled the Saint Colman Roman Catholic Church near Shady Spring on June 25, a criminal complaint filed in Raleigh County Magistrate Court notes.
Miller was accused of lighting a fire in the church after a group of people had been partying on the premises overnight, court records said. He is charged with first-degree arson and conspiracy.
Elmore has been charged with conspiracy and accessory after the fact.
The blaze was discovered the morning of June 26 and reported by neighbors and the property’s caretaker.
During an initial investigation, West Virginia State Police said a K-9 alerted to an accelerant that was used in the fire.
Investigators said they then received an anonymous tip that a group of people had been drinking and partying at the church the night it was set on fire, according to the complaint.
Troopers made contact with Elmore, and another suspect, and the two accused Miller of lighting a set of plastic flowers on fire, putting them in the middle of the church, and covering them with a pew before leaving.
The pair also showed investigators a video of the group drinking Natty Daddy on the way to the church, a can of which was found near the premises after the fire.
Warrants were issued for the arrest of Miller and Elmore shortly after, and they are currently being held in Southern Regional Jail on $75,000 surety/cash bonds.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbc25news.com ...
Prior arrest of then-19-year-old Elmore last December:
* * *
Beckley teenager arrested after filming two minors engaging in sexual activity
Tyler Barker by Tyler Barker Wednesday, December 22, 2021 11:25 am
According to Raleigh County deputies, between November 28 and November 29, 2021, James Dean Elmore, 19, purposefully filmed female minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct with one another at his home in Beckley. During the filming of the sexual acts, one juvenile was 14-years-old, and the other was 15-years-old. . .
Well boys you still feel cool
And paying for the repairs no matter how long it takes stupidity doesn’t come cheap.
Sorry. Don't know how I messed that up.
Yes I do - I was only half awake.
* Note to self: ONLY post when fully AWAKE. ie: No more FR "Sleep Posting".
you’re asking me???
Guy could run for president as a Democrat some day with those credentials.
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