Reward Offered in Macon Church Arson Investigation
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Investigators determined a fire at a Macon church was set intentionally, and now they're searching for the arsonist.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to an arrest or conviction in the person responsible for Monday's blaze at Reaching Souls Cathedral Church of Praise. On Tuesday, agents with the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives interviewed residents in the area of Bethesda Avenue and Rocky Creek Road and stapled reward flyers around the church.
ATF's Resident Agent in Charge Morgan Fisher initially suspected arson, but brought in a dog to confirm the findings.
"The dog basically confirmed our findings and we ruled it arson," Fisher said.
The state fire marshall, Macon-Bibb Fire Department and ATF have all been investigating and plan to hold a news conference Wednesday at the Macon-Bibb Fire Department Headquarters.
"We just want to keep everyone up-to-date with our investigation," Fisher said.
In 2005, the roof of the church's building collapsed. In 2008, the church's pastor Onslow Ross was convicted of 54 financial counts ranging from bank fraud to money laundering. Ross is currently serving a ten year sentence.
Anyone with information about this fire is asked to call the arson hotline at 1-800-282-5804. Reward money will be given for information leading to an arrest or conviction.
