Two Men Charged with Burning Down Louisiana Catholic Church

Alleged arson attack occurred ahead of Holy Week, authorities say

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred church window frame, the glass shattered and blackened, against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a suspected arson attack on a place of worship.The aftermath of an alleged arson attack on a Catholic church in Louisiana, exposing the grim reality of religiously-motivated crimes.Columbia Today

The Department of Justice has announced federal arson charges against two men, Anthony Dillon Jr. and James Dale Smith IV, for allegedly breaking into and burning down a Catholic church in Columbia, Louisiana, on March 27. The men are accused of stealing power from the church, confronting church officials, and then ransacking the building and setting it ablaze before fleeing with several stolen items.

Why it matters

The alleged attack on the only Catholic church in Caldwell Parish, just before the important Holy Week observances, has shocked the local community and raised concerns about religiously-motivated crimes. Authorities are investigating the suspects' potential motives beyond the alleged theft and property damage.

The details

According to the DOJ press release, Dillon Jr. and Smith are accused of using a baseball bat to break a window and enter the St. John's Chapel, where they stole at least three televisions and a sound system before setting the church on fire. The two men allegedly targeted the church after being confronted by church officials and another man they had sold a broken TV to.

  • The alleged arson attack occurred on March 27, 2026.
  • The suspects were charged by the DOJ on April 2, 2026.

The players

Anthony Dillon Jr.

A 19-year-old man charged with federal arson for the alleged attack on the Catholic church.

James Dale Smith IV

A 21-year-old man charged with federal arson for the alleged attack on the Catholic church.

St. John's Chapel

The Catholic church in Columbia, Louisiana that was allegedly targeted and burned down by the two suspects.

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What they’re saying

“The FBI New Orleans is assisting @ATFNewOrleans, @LAFIREMARSHAL, and @CaldwellParishSO with the investigation.”

— FBI New Orleans

What’s next

The two suspects face a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, as well as a $250,000 fine, if convicted.

The takeaway

This alleged arson attack on a Catholic church ahead of Holy Week has raised concerns about religiously-motivated crimes and the need for continued vigilance to protect places of worship in the community.