Va. man pleads guilty to 2012 church fire

UPDATE: Thursday – 6/13/2013, 1:30pm ET

WASHINGTON – Police say Maurice Thompson Michaely of Haymarket pleaded guilty to all three charges related to the 2012 fire at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

Michaely was arrested and charged Nov. 29, 2012.

He will be sentenced on Sept. 19.

Church leaders say they plan to rebuild the church once building plans are completed and approved.

EARLIER: Friday – 8/10/2012, 12:19pm ET

GAINESVILLE, Va. – A fire at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church closed southbound traffic on Va. 29 between Route 15 and Somerset Crossing for much of the morning.

Prince William County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Kim Hylander says the call was dispatched at 4:37 a.m.

Firefighters found fire shooting out of the side, back and roof of the building.

There were no occupants in the church, and no injuries reported.

The county fire marshal is on the scene, investigating the cause of the blaze.

All lanes are now open.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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