Multi-Agency Task Force Makes Arrest in Local Church Arsons

PHENIX CITY, Ala., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Geoffrey Parquette and James Clark were arrested Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in response to the recent joint investigation conducted by a federal, state, and local multi-agency task force that investigated fires at four churches.

The multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Alabama Bureau of Investigation; Alabama State Fire Marshall's Office; Russell and Lee County Sheriff's Departments; and the Russell County District Attorney's Office were part of the investigation that culminated in the interview and arrest of the suspects.

OFFENDER: Geoffrey Tyler Parquette W/M/ 21 y/o

OFFENSE: 3 counts of arson 2nd, 3 counts of Burglary 3rd, 2 counts of Criminal Mischief 1st

OFFENDER: James Scott Clark, W/M, 21 y/o

OFFENSE: Arson 2nd and Burglary 3rd

On Jan. 1, at 3:17 p.m., the Russell County Sheriff's Department responded to a fire at the Greater Peace and Goodwill, located at 130 Brown Road, Phenix City, Ala. An investigation conducted by ATF, the Alabama State Fire Marshall and the Russell County Sheriff's Department, concluded that arson was suspected due to the presence of accelerants and multiple points of origin.

On Jan. 2, at 8:30 a.m., the Lee County Sheriff's Department responded to Concord Baptist Church, located at 321 Lee Road 251, Salem, Ala., for the report of vandalism at the church. Investigators discovered several areas of vandalism to the church, along with satanic graffiti, which was painted in various locations of the church.

On Jan. 3, at 4:15 a.m., the Lee County Sheriff's Department responded to the Greater Bethelpore Baptist Church, located at 5757 Lee Road 179, Salem, Ala., for the report of a church fire. After an investigation was conducted by ATF, the Alabama State Fire Marshall's Office, and the Lee County Sheriff's Department, arson was suspected due to the presence of accelerants and multiple points of origin. The investigators also discovered several areas of vandalism to a graveyard next to the church.

On Jan. 4, at 12:27 p.m., the Russell County Sheriff's Department responded to the Woodland Baptist Church, located at 114 Bayview Drive, Phenix City, Ala., in reference to a church fire. Concluding an investigation conducted by ATF, Alabama State Fire Marshall's Office, Russell and Lee County Sheriff's Departments, arson was suspected due to the presence of accelerants and multiple points of origin. There were several areas of vandalism to the church, along with satanic graffiti painted inside the church.

On Jan. 5, investigators obtained warrants on Parquette for arson. Parquette was arrested and subsequently interviewed. On Jan. 6, Clark came into Russell County Sheriff's Department and was interviewed and arrested.

Overview:

Jan. 1, 2008: Greater Peace and Goodwill Church, 130 Brown Road, Phenix City, AL

Damage: Burning of Sanctuary

Offender: Geoffery Tyler Parquette.

Jan. 2, 2008: Concord Baptist Church, 321 Lee Road 251, Salem, AL

Damage: Graffiti on several areas, cut phone lines, and several broken windows

Offender: Geoffery Tyler Parquette.

Jan. 3, 2008: Greater Bethelpore Baptist Church, 5757 Lee Road 179, Salem, AL

Damage: Church a total loss, vandalism to graveyard next to church

Offender: Geoffery Tyler Parquette and James Scott Clark.

Jan. 4, 2008: Woodland Baptist Church, 114 Bayview Road, Phenix City, AL

Damage: Burning of sanctuary, graffiti on several areas, vandalism to church vehicles

Offender: Geoffery Tyler Parquette.

    Contact:
    Eric Kehn
    Cell: (615) 335-7098