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Alabama man charged in connection with arson in Connersville

If convicted, he will face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

CONNERSVILLE, Ind. — An Alabama man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his involvement in an arson in Connersville, Indiana last October. 

Tommy Lee Harrison, Sr., 37, of Birmingham, Alabama, is accused of traveling to Connersville sometime around Oct. 28 or 29, 2021 to commit arson, according to the Department of Justice. 

Harrison is charged with interstate travel in aid of racketeering enterprises. Harrison was indicted on Jan. 19, 2022, but that indictment was sealed until Thursday, after Harrison's arrest in Birmingham. 

“Interstate travel to commit arson is a very serious offense that poses a significant danger to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Anyone involved in committing such crimes must be held accountable. I commend the FBI and the prosecution team for their hard work to uncover the facts in this continuing investigation.”

The FBI conducted a hate crime investigation in Connersville after a city council member's home caught fire Oct. 29.

Councilman Tommy Lee Williams, Jr., his wife and children were visiting his son in Germany at the time of the fire, but his two pets were killed. 

Investigators said they found a racial slur spray painted in black letters on the back porch of the home.

RELATED: FBI investigating racial slur, fire at Connersville council member's home

It's not yet clear whether Harrison is being charged in connection with arson in the fire at Williams' home. However, if convicted, Harrison could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Harrison will make his initial court appearance in the Northern District of Alabama before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The Department of justice said he'll make his initial court appearance in the Southern District of Indiana at a later date. 

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