Douglas Man Sentenced to Over 36 Years for Hate-Driven Church Arsons
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Douglas Man Sentenced to Over 36 Years for Hate-Driven Church Arsons

Eric Ridenour targeted historic churches in Douglas, Arizona, motivated by opposition to women and LGBTQ leadership roles.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Eric Duane Ridenour, 58, of Douglas, Arizona, has been sentenced to 438 months in federal prison for arson and hate crimes. The sentencing follows his conviction in July 2024 for burning two historic churches in Douglas on May 22, 2023.

The targeted churches, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church, were part of Church Square, a historic district notable for hosting four denominations at a single intersection. Ridenour’s actions were motivated by hostility toward the churches’ inclusion of women and LGBTQ individuals in leadership roles.

Key Details of the Case

  • Incident: Ridenour deliberately set fire to the two churches, causing extensive damage and loss to the Douglas community.
  • Motivation: The attacks were driven by Ridenour’s opposition to progressive leadership practices within the churches.
  • Investigation and Arrest: Authorities arrested Ridenour the day after the arsons, on May 23, 2023.

Official Responses “This case highlights the abhorrence of targeting religious institutions out of hatred,” stated U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. He emphasized the importance of justice for the community and the churches affected.

Special Agent Brendan Iber of the ATF’s Phoenix division affirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting communities and ensuring justice for acts of hate and violence. Similarly, FBI Phoenix Special Agent Jose A. Perez reiterated the agency’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable.

A Broader Commitment to Justice The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona has prioritized civil rights protections, including prosecuting hate crimes. Through initiatives like the United Against Hate (UAH) program, the Office engages with communities to address and prevent acts of hate and bias. Recent cases include:

  • Eric Celaya: Sentenced for providing firearms used in a shooting targeting Jewish community members in California.
  • Mark Adams Prieto: Indicted for selling weapons intended for a racially motivated mass attack.
  • Aaron Mitchell: A former Customs and Border Protection officer convicted of violating civil rights through kidnapping and sexual assault.

Investigative and Prosecutorial Efforts The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Douglas Police Department. Prosecutors Austin Fenwick, Ben Goldberg, and Adam Rossi led the case for the District of Arizona.

Ridenour’s sentencing marks a significant victory for justice and a reaffirmation of the commitment to protecting communities from hate-driven crimes.