Franklin Barrett Sechriest on Thursday pleaded guilty to an arson fire at Congregation Beth Israel in Austin on Halloween 2021.
Sechriest, of San Marcos, was charged with two federal counts: arson and damage to a religious property, a hate crime.
Sechriest’s sentencing is set for June 23. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Surveillance video from Oct. 28, 2021, placed Sechriest’s car at the scene, so investigators traced it back to his address. A federal complaint said he was seen on surveillance heading in the direction of the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue, lugging around toilet paper and a five-gallon container. Later, according to the complaint, “a security camera captured Sechriest jogging away from the direction of the fire and towards the open driver’s side door of a vehicle.”
“Antisemitism has no place in our society, and hate-fueled violence will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By targeting a house of worship, the defendant attempted to intimidate and disrupt the Jewish community. The Department of Justice is committed to aggressively prosecuting antisemitic violence and will continue to hold accountable the people responsible for these deplorable incidents.”
A witness reported the fire to officials. The Austin Fire Department got a handle on the situation. Although no injuries occurred, the amount of fire damage was over $200,000.
On Nov. 10, 2021, Sechriest’s home was searched. Investigators found items that were seen in surveillance on his person. They uncovered “similar clothing worn by Sechriest and a receipt for a five-gallon container similar to the one seen on video,” according to the Department of Justice.
When officials came across Sechriest’s journals, it further linked him to the synagogue fire. Investigators read of his dislike for those who practice the Jewish religion.
