SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A 26-year-old man convicted of burning down a predominantly black Massachusetts church shortly after President Barack Obama’s election has surrendered to U.S. marshals to be detained until sentencing.
A judge’s clerk says Michael Jacques (JAKES) turned himself in at the Springfield federal courthouse Friday,a day after a jury convicted him of setting fire to the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield. Prosecutors called it a racially motivated crime.
A judge revoked Jacques’ bail after the verdict and ordered him to surrender by noon Friday.
Jacques faces 10 to 60 years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 15. Two of Jacques’ friends also pleaded guilty to their roles in the fire.
Jacques says he’s innocent and plans to appeal.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.