Bishop indicted on arson charges from Old Louisville church fire in 2021

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A bishop was indicted on arson charges after a church was burned in Old Louisville in 2021.

Louisville firefighters worked to put out a heavy fire at Greater New Hope Community Church at East Jacob and South Floyd streets in March 2021. Flames could be seen coming out of the roof of the building. Once crews responded to the three-story building, firefighters discovered that the roof partially collapsed.

On Monday, the Jefferson County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Jonathan N. Mullins. He is charged with one count of arson, and if he is convicted, he could face 20 to 50 years or life in prison.

Mullins told investigators he was the bishop of Greater New Hope Community Church. He allegedly started the fire, according to investigators.

The building was originally constructed in the 1920s as the Keneseth Israel Synagogue. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Mullins is scheduled to be arraigned on March 18.

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