Woman Arrested After Setting Novato Church On Fire

A woman is facing hate crime charges for allegedly setting fire to a Novato church.

Authorities were called to North Bay Christ Church Saturday on reports of a brush fire that had damaged several structures of religious significance, including a nativity scene and a cross. Police were able to arrest Denise Roberts after she was found near the scene with evidence linking her to the crime.

Officers say Roberts made comments that suggested a religious bias as the reason for lighting the fire. She’s been booked on hate crime and felony arson counts.