Indiana Man Pleads Guilty to Religiously Motivated Attack on Toledo-Area Mosque

An Indiana man faces a likely sentence of 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to hate crimes stemming from the arson of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, law enforcement officials announced today.

Randolph Linn, 52, of St. Joe, Indiana, pleaded guilty to three counts: (1) intentionally defacing, damaging, and destroying religious real property because of the religious character of that property; (2) using fire to commit a felony; and (3) using and carrying a firearm to commit a crime of violence.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, both parties recommend a sentence of 20 years in prison.

“The freedom to worship in the manner of one’s choosing is one of our most fundamental rights as Americans,” said AAG Thomas E. Perez. “The Department of Justice and the Civil Rights Division will continue to aggressively prosecute hate-based attacks on houses of worship. I commend the cooperative efforts of local and federal law enforcement officials to ensure justice in this case.”

Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, said, “Religious freedom is at the core of our country, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute such hate crimes whenever and wherever the evidence warrants. This was a true joint effort to seek justice for these victims.”

Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Field Office, said, “We are pleased that Randall Linn has accepted responsibility for his destructive action of setting fire to a sacred place of worship. The FBI, along with its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens to practice their chosen religion by enforcing the laws that defend those liberties.”

“This guilty plea represents the tireless efforts of so many agencies to bring this case to justice,” said Robin Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge, Columbus Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. “Criminal damage to a house of worship is taken very seriously by ATF.”

According to court documents, Linn left his home on September 30, 2012, in a red four-door Chevrolet Sonic. Inside the vehicle were numerous firearms and three red gas cans.

Linn stopped at a gas station near Perrysburg, Ohio, and filled the three gas can and then drove to the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo. Linn made numerous efforts to enter the Islamic Center before gaining entry. He walked through several rooms with a handgun in his left hand before exiting and then returning with a red gas can, according to court documents.

Linn then entered the prayer room on the second floor and poured gasoline on the prayer rug, a large, Oriental-style rug used by members of the Islamic Center during prayer services. He then set fire to the prayer rug, according to court documents.

Linn acknowledges he intentionally set the fire because of the religious character of the Islamic Center property, according to court documents.

Linn agrees to pay restitution and understands that the amount may exceed $1 million due to the amount of fire and water damage sustained by the Islamic Center, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bridget M. Brennan and Ava Dustin and Special Assistant U.S Attorney Gwen Howe-Gebers.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, ATF, Perrysburg Township Police Department, and the State of Ohio Fire Marshal.