3 indicted in arson at black Mass. church

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Three men were indicted Tuesday on charges they torched an under-construction black church in Massachusetts, hours after President Barack Obama won election.

Benjamin Haskell, 22, Michael Jacques, 24, and Thomas Gleason, 21, all of Springfield are accused of conspiring to interfere with the civil rights of members of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield, the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement.

The predominantly African-American congregation's church building burned to the ground Nov. 5, shortly after it was announced Obama had won election as the nation's first black president.

Haskell, Jacques and Gleason allegedly used racial slurs and expressed anger with the election of Obama and discussed burning the church building because the church members, congregation and bishop were African-American. They are accused of pouring gasoline on the interior and exterior of the building and setting it ablaze.

"These allegations of racial violence connected with the presidential election are serious and disturbing," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Loretta King.

"Racism has devastating effects on individuals, and stifles the quality of life in the community," added U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan. "We will not tolerate those who victimize others and I am angered and saddened that the neighborhood has endured such cruel acts by those allegedly living in the same community."

The trio face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.