Fire at Novato Church: Trial Without Hate Crime Charge

A 61‑year‑old woman, Denise Irene Roberts, is set to face an arson trial after a judge decided the evidence was not strong enough for a hate crime charge. The court said Roberts could receive up to six years in prison if found guilty of setting the fire, instead of a potential nine‑year sentence that would have applied to a hate crime. Roberts, who is a Navy veteran and lives in Santa Clara, was arrested by Novato police last July. The authorities say she lit a Nativity scene and other religious displays outside Christ Church North Bay, claiming she had “religious delusions. ” She pleaded not guilty when her case was heard on Friday.Her public defender, Jeff Mitchell, wants Roberts to be placed in Veterans Administration custody so she can get mental‑health treatment. The next hearing is scheduled for May 5, giving both sides time to prepare. The judge’s decision means the prosecution must prove more than a reasonable doubt that Roberts acted with a hateful motive. The arson charge alone still carries significant penalties, but the absence of a hate crime tag could affect sentencing and public perception. This case highlights how mental health issues intersect with criminal law, especially when the alleged crime involves religious symbols. It also shows how courts weigh evidence before deciding on additional charges that carry harsher penalties.