AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A North Augusta man faces up to 20 years in prison after he admitted to setting fire to the Byron United Methodist Church in 2024, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Luke Andrew Westefeld, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of malicious use of fire on April 6.

“Intentionally setting fire to a house of worship is a malicious act that devastates not only a sacred space, but also reverberates throughout the entire community,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes.

According to the news release, Westefeld faces a sentence ranging from five years to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

“The act of arson against a place of worship is not just an attack on a building, it’s an assault on the community’s spirit,” said ATF Atlanta’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert W. Davis.

According to court documents, Westefeld approached a few church members after their choir practice on Aug. 20, 2024.

Westefeld asked for water, which the women declined, telling officers they were concerned about their safety, the release states.

Later that night, Westefeld broke into the church and allegedly became upset when he saw unlit candlesticks on the altar.

Westefeld said he noticed that the Bible on the pulpit was opened to Ezekiel 24:21, “which spoke of the desecration of the sanctuary due to sin,” the release states.

Court documents state Westefeld took it as a sign. Westefeld is accused of lighting the candlesticks and burning the American and Methodist flags in the sanctuary.

According to officials, Westefeld then went to the church office and found cash and checks. Westefeld said his “anger level reached a 10” because he believed the money should be deposited in a bank.

According to the release, Westefeld took the cash for himself.

He then saw food in the pantry and became “even more enraged,” believing it should be given to the poor, the release states.

Westefeld is accused of stealing a plastic gas can from a nearby home, planning to siphon gasoline from the church’s van.

Westefeld was unable to retrieve the gasoline, so officials say he stuffed his shirt in the gas cap and set it on fire.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch is prosecuting the case for the government.

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