Mississippi
A man pleads not guilty to setting fire to Mississippi synagogue
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The man accused of setting fire to a Mississippi synagogue pleaded not guilty to a federal arson charge on Tuesday.
The fire badly damaged the Beth Israel Congregation, a historic synagogue that was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967 for the congregation’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. No one was injured in the blaze, which ripped through the building shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10.
During the hearing, Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac denied bond for Stephen Spencer Pittman, ruling that he should be held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service through the duration of his trial.
The 19-year-old suspect appeared in court with both of his hands and ankles bandaged from burn wounds and a Bible sitting in front of him. The courtroom was packed with spectators, including several members of the Beth Israel Congregation.
The prosecutor, Matthew Wade Allen, argued Pittman should not receive bond because there is a serious risk he will obstruct justice or threaten, injure or intimidate a witness or juror, such as his parents and members of the Beth Israel Congregation.
FBI Special Agent Ariel Williams testified that Pittman’s parents said they noticed behavior changes in their son since he returned home on winter break. Pittman’s mother told the FBI their family pets were afraid of her son and that she considered locking her bedroom door at night out of fear of his behavior, Williams said.
Williams also testified that Pittman’s father told the FBI about an incident where Pittman “bowed up” in his father’s face, after his father had attempted to correct him for saying something offensive to Pittman’s mother.
Leading up to the synagogue fire, several witness, including Pittman’s parents, told the FBI they heard Pittman make antisemitic comments and members of Pittman’s gym heard him say he wanted to burn a synagogue, Williams said.
Mike Scott, Pittman’s public defender, argued Pittman did not pose a danger to the community. He also said Pittman suffered third-degree burns and incarcerating Pittman could pose a risk to his health.
Scott did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Pittman confessed to lighting a fire inside the building, referring to it as “the synagogue of Satan,” according to an FBI affidavit filed in U.S. District Court.
Pittman is charged with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive. He has also been indicted on a state charge of willfully and maliciously setting fire to a synagogue. The indictment includes a sentencing enhancement for a hate crime.
Pittman faces five to 20 years in prison for the federal charge. The state charge carries a sentence of 5 to 30 years in prison, with the possibility of up to 60 years if he is found to have committed a hate crime.
The judge set Pittman’s trial for Feb. 23.
NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.
The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.
Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.
It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.
Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.
NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.
The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.
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Staff
A wood products manufacturer is set to create new jobs as part of a major expansion.
Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million into its Wiggins, Mississippi, operation.
The expansion will add 10 new positions and support long-term growth in the region.
“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.
“This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy,” Reeves said. “When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”
Carpenter Pole and Piling produces utility poles and pilings for marine and foundation use.
The project includes construction of a new treatment plant, investment in a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave and an alternative treatment option to improve production capacity.
The company is also clearing and preparing an additional 20 acres for a new pole storage yard.
Stone County is also contributing to the project.
The company expects to complete construction by September 2026.
The new roles are expected to be filled by January 2027.
Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in the production of utility poles. It also manufactures foundation and marine pilings.
The new autoclave will increase production and add an alternative treatment option.
This story was created by business and development writer Ross Reily, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
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