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SALT LAKE CITY -- The man accused of setting fire at two LDS chapels made an initial court appearance Monday morning.
Patrick Ehat faces two counts aggravated arson and burglary charges.
During Monday's court appearance, the court applied to Salt Lake Legal Defenders to represent Ehat. His next hearing is set for Nov. 16.
According to documents filed in 3rd District Court, Patrick Ehat, 26, spread some kind of "ignitable liquid accelerant" on the sacrament table, podium, organ and piano in the chapel of an LDS Church building at 3219 S. 300 East, in South Salt Lake, early on Oct. 30. Later that same day, a second fire was discovered at another LDS Church building, located at 2702 S. Main, after a similar liquid was used to ignite the fire on a couch inside.
Ehat, who is a member of the LDS faith, apparently told police he torched the buildings because he "believed the LDS Church had lied to him," charging documents state.
He is currently being held in the Salt Lake County Jail on $500,000 bail.
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Story written with contributions from Emiley Morgan.
