ATF Offering $5,000 Reward in Arson Fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Calif.

CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced today that a $5,000 reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for an arson fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Sometime between 8:00 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2010, and 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 25, 2010, a fire occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1444 Lake Dr. in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Parishioners observed that graffiti had been spray painted on two different exterior doors of their church. Upon further investigation, it was determined that a fire had been started in the foyer of the church. This damage was estimated at over $5,000.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department Bomb/Arson Unit and ATF responded to the scene. They have determined that the fire was deliberately set. Investigators are working to locate suspects and determine a possible motive for the fire.

"ATF is dedicated to safeguarding the American public by enforcing federal laws related to arson," Torres said. "We are asking for the public's help in our effort to apprehend and convict those responsible for this heinous crime."

"Combining federal and local resources will expedite this investigation," commented San Diego Sheriff William D. Gore. "Having an anonymous tip line with Crime Stoppers will make it easy for people to provide information."

Anyone with information on the crime should contact ATF at (888) ATF-FIRE or (888) 283-3473.

People may also provide information anonymously and receive a reward up to $1,000 by calling San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives