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Arizona Man Indicted on Federal Hate-Crime Charge in Casa Grande Synagogue Fire

The case is being pursued as a civil-rights matter with an ongoing multi-agency investigation.

Overview

  • A federal grand jury in Phoenix on Nov. 18 charged Everardo Gregorio, 31, with obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs by fire.
  • Prosecutors allege he burned Khal Chasidim on March 3, destroying the worship space along with a kosher grocery and restaurant.
  • Gregorio also faces a separate Pinal County arson case that remains pending.
  • Investigators cite surveillance and police video that they report link him to the scene, while he has denied involvement.
  • The charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and officials emphasize that the indictment is an allegation.