Church arsonists receive additional life sentences

Two men already sentenced to life in prison for setting five East Texas churches on fire in 2010 pleaded guilty to more arsons Feb. 8.

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ATHENS, Texas (ABP) — Two men already sentenced to life in prison for setting five east Texas churches on fire in 2010 pleaded guilty to more arsons Feb. 8.

Jason Bourque and Daniel McAllister were sentenced to life in prison for three church fires in Henderson County, Texas. Their plea agreements allow them to serve their sentences concurrently with previous life sentences imposed for five church arsons in neighboring Smith County Jan. 10.

The men, suspected of setting fire to 10 East Texas churches between Jan. 1 and Feb. 8 last year, still face charges for two church fires in Van Zandt County. They are scheduled to appear in court there Feb. 11 and are expected to enter similar pleas.

Bourque, 22, and McAllister, 20, were arrested Feb. 21 after a multi-force investigation involving state, local and federal officials.

No one was hurt in the fires. Their motive for the crimes is unknown.

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