$15,000 reward offered for information on Joplin Islamic Center arson

(From the FBI)

Eric K. Jackson, acting special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Kansas City Division announced today a combined reward of $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for the recent fire at the Islamic Center of Joplin. The combined $15,000 reward is comprised of $10,000 from the FBI and $5,000 from the ATF.

On the morning of July 4, 2012, at approximately 3:30 a.m., reports were received regarding a fire on the roof of the Islamic Center of Joplin. The fire, which was extinguished by the Jasper County Fire Department, was a surface fire, contained on the roof of the building, not penetrating the building or causing any interior damage.

A review of the surveillance video showed an unidentified white male walking up to the building and throwing an ignited object onto the roof.

Federal law criminalizes arson and vandalism against houses of worship committed either because of the race or ethnicity of the group using the property or, in certain circumstances, because of the religious nature of the property.

This case is being investigated by the FBI, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, the ATF, and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.