A suspect has been charged as authorities, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, investigate five fires across the Waynesburg area that are believed to be connected.

The suspect, Jesse William Patterson, has been charged with his alleged role in two fires in the Waynesburg area: one at St. Ann Church and a fire set at a residential property on West High Street early Monday morning.

Waynesburg Borough Police Chief Billy Nichols told KDKA-TV that what broke this case open was from surveillance video.

The criminal complaint details surveillance video of Patterson inside St. Ann Church and him running from the scene of the trailer fire on West High Street.

Police found items that were viewed at both locations during his arrest.

A white multi-colored hoodie, blue K-Swiss shoes, and a black backpack were all on video at the trailer fire.

Patterson Junior, 37, is listed as homeless. He told the judge at his arraignment that he cannot read or write.

Police charged him with multiple counts of arson, burglary, vandalism, and risking catastrophe, among others.

In addition to fires at the church and three residential properties, a fire was also reported at Buddy's Motel early Sunday morning.

Police have released few details but said they're continuing to investigate along with local authorities, a K-9 team and the ATF. 

"I believe the state police's statement stands on its own. It was worked on in collaboration with the ATF, the state police, so it pretty much covers what we can release at this time to the public. Keep in mind this is an ongoing investigation and we are not complete," Chief Billy Nichols said.

No one was injured in any of the fires. Judge Tom Ankrom set bail at $250,000 cash bond.

Greene County's oldest Catholic church catches fire

As the investigation at Saint Ann Church continues, masses have been temporarily canceled.

The fire occurred overnight into Sunday, and Pennsylvania State Police are investigating to determine the nature of the blaze.

No injuries were reported, according to a news release from the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

"While the main body of the church appears to be intact, adjoining spaces have suffered extensive damage," the news release said.

The lower level of the structure saw most of the damage from the fire.

"Pretty much the lower level, which is like the basement," said Father Tom Lewandoswki. "Those are preschool classrooms. Up in the church, the only room [that saw damage] was the priest's vesting area and two CCD rooms, and a bathroom."

All Masses at Saint Ann are canceled for this week, and the diocesan Jubilee Mass scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, will be postponed, officials said.

Founded in 1839, Saint Ann Church is the oldest Catholic church in Greene County. It is one of the Diocese of Pittsburgh's designated pious visit sites for the Jubilee Year of Hope.

"This is the oldest Catholic church in the county, so this church does a lot of good. There's a lot of outreach here," parishioner Robin Emerson said. "Soup kitchen is open, Knights of Columbus is active. There's a preschool here. CCD."

Cleaning and restoration efforts are expected to begin on Tuesday.

Second fire tears through motel hours later

A second fire was reported at a Waynesburg motel just one mile from where the church fire took place.

The fire ripped through Buddy's Motel in West Waynesburg around 6 a.m. Sunday.

The owner of the motel believes the fire wasn't an accident. A burned-up blanket was found inside a bathtub.

He says that about two weeks ago, a homeless person who was getting help from the county started staying here.

In all, the owner says that two units were damaged by fire. Four units had smoke and water issues. No one was hurt.

The state police fire marshal is investigating the fires.