CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO—Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Richard Quinn is pleased to announce three individuals who helped the FBI with tips were presented with reward money.

On April 24, 2020, FBI St. Louis offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person seen in surveillance video setting fire to the Cape Girardeau Islamic Center. Through investigation and receipt of tip information from these individuals, law enforcement quickly identified Nicholas J. Proffitt as the suspect. On May 12, 2020, a federal grand jury indicted Proffitt on arson and hate crime charges.

SAC Quinn commends each of the three recipients for doing the right thing stating, “These three individuals represent the best of what happens when the community works with law enforcement. Their actions serve as an inspiration and a reminder that good can conquer evil with the help of a courageous community.”

Thank you also to our partners at the ATF, Missouri Division of Fire Safety, and the Cape Girardeau Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.