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Black Church Arson After Obama Election Brings 9 Years in Prison
Macedonia Church of God in Christ in flames, Nov. 5, 2008 (CBS/WSHM/Springfield Fire Dept.)
Benjamin Haskell was sentenced Monday in federal court after pleading guilty to civil rights charges in June. His plea deal called for the nine-year sentence.
The fire destroyed the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield in the early morning hours of Nov. 5, 2008, the day after Obama was elected America's first black president.
The church, under construction at the time, had about 300 members, most of whom were black.
Haskell is one of three white men charged in the fire. Thomas Gleason Jr. is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in June. Michael Jacques is awaiting trial.
More on Crimesider
June 23, 2010 - Black Church Arson a Day After Obama Election Brings Second Civil Rights Guilty Plea
June 17, 2010 - Black Church Arson Seemingly Sparked by Obama Election Brings Civil Rights Guilty Plea
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