Police accuse South Bay woman of hate-crime arson at church

Novato police arrested a suspect on allegations she set a fire outside a church, burning religious displays.

Police allege the offense was a hate crime.

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“The suspect was suffering from religious delusions, which prompted her actions,” Lt. Alan Bates said Monday.

The fire happened at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday at Christ Church North Bay on Redwood Boulevard. First responders saw flames 10 feet high about 20 yards from the church.

The fire burned an area about 30 feet by 30 feet, including religious items such as Nativity scene, a cross and a Star of David. Bates said the flames also damaged a fence around the Nativity scene.

Novato firefighters extinguished the flames. The church is about 1,000 feet from Novato Fire District Station 61.

Witnesses notified officers about a woman who had walked away from the fire. Police contacted her and found burned items in her possession.

Denise Irene Roberts, 61, of Santa Clara was arrested on suspicion of committing arson and a hate crime. She was booked into the Marin County Jail with a bail amount of $250,000.

On Monday, the Marin County District Attorney’s Office charged Roberts with felony arson of a structure or forest land and felony arson of property, according to court records. Both counts include hate crime allegations.

An arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday. Roberts remains in custody at the county jail.

Pastor Matthew Holiday said the church plans to rebuild the features in time for holiday events.

“At the heart of our belief is the call to forgive, and in that spirit, we extend immediate forgiveness to Ms. Roberts,” Holiday said. “We now pray that she finds the help and healing she needs.”

Police estimate that the fire caused about $2,000 in damage.