LESAGE, W.Va. (WCHS) — A West Virginia man has been arrested in connection with two fires set at a church in Cabell County earlier this week.
Richard Lee Hill, 38, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with second-degree arson after he admitted to state troopers that he intentionally set fires at Brighter Day Ministries Church in Lesage on Wednesday, according to court documents.
The first fire was reported shortly after noon at the church on the 4000 block of Nine Mile Road. Emergency crews quickly extinguished the blaze. However, a second fire was reported just over two hours later, set at multiple points around the church.
Investigators determined the first fire had originated on the side of the building, while the second appeared to have been intentionally ignited in various locations.
Hill was located at his home on Friday and voluntarily agreed to an interview at the Ohio River Road Volunteer Fire Department. During a polygraph process and follow-up questioning by a second officer, Hill admitted to setting both fires.
He is currently being held at the Western Regional Jail on a $20,000 bond. The investigation remains ongoing.
