Overview

• Prosecutors charged 61-year-old Santa Clara resident Denise Roberts with felony arson and hate-crime enhancements after the fire at Christ Church North Bay early Saturday.
• Roberts confessed that religious bias drove her to ignite the blaze that destroyed a nativity scene, a Star of David and a cross on church grounds.
• Novato fire crews quickly extinguished the blaze and officers arrested Roberts at the scene before booking her into Marin County Jail.
• Under California law, hate-crime enhancements increase penalties for offenses targeting protected groups such as religious communities.
• Christ Church North Bay leaders have vowed to rebuild the damaged displays and publicly extended forgiveness while seeking healing for their congregation.