On Monday, April 3rd, Michael Innis pleaded guilty to Burn Building and Destruction of Place of Worship in Berkshire Superior Court. Honorable Judge Flannery sentenced Innis to 2.5-3.5 years in state prison (Burn Building, 2.5-3.5 years and Destruction of a Place of Worship, 2.5-3.5 years to be served concurrently). The Commonwealth recommended 3 to 4 years in state prison. The defense recommended 2.5 years in the House of Corrections.
On August 4, 2021, Michael Innis (53 at the time) and a 2nd defendant were discovered to have set fire to the south facing door of St. Joseph’s Church (370 South Street, Pittsfield). Damage caused by the fire was estimated to be over $10,000. The 2nd defendant’s case is pending.
Pittsfield Police investigated the crime. Assistant District Attorney Joseph Yorlano represented the Commonwealth. Tara Jones-Nutting served as the Victim Witness Advocate.