Alleged synagogue arsonist pleads not guilty to new federal charges

Facing new federal charges, the Madison man accused of setting fire to Mississippi’s largest synagogue pleaded not guilty again on Wednesday.

After Stephen Spencer Pittman’s initial arraignment last month, a federal grand jury indicted the 19-year-old on two new charges last week, upping the prison time he faces if convicted.

The superseding indictment accuses Pittman of destroying religious property “because of the religious character of that property,” a charge that carries up to 20 years in prison. He was also indicted for using fire to commit a felony for allegedly burning the Beth Israel Congregation in northeast Jackson. That charge comes with a 10-year prison sentence.

Pittman, who usually goes by his middle name, was previously indicted on one count of attempting to destroy property used in religious commerce – a charge he still faces under the new indictment. Facing up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on that charge, Pittman pleaded not guilty last month.

Read more: Mississippi Today