St. Paul Man Gets 5 Years in Prison for Church Fire

ST. PAUL (AP) - A 27-year-old man who pleaded guilty to starting a fire at a St. Paul church has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Gregory Louis Knox pleaded guilty to one count of arson in March for a December fire at St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was sentenced Thursday.

The fire caused an estimated $600,000 in damage and forced the congregation to worship elsewhere. They returned to their own church in February.

According to a criminal complaint, church officials and employees said Knox sought help applying for jobs over the summer, but that ties soured after thefts were traced to him.

As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors said they will not pursue charges for other alleged arsons.