PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man is in federal custody after being charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire or explosion any building or other real property.  These charges are brought as the result of an ongoing investigation into multiple fires set around the exterior of Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence, RI, on February 11, 2024, announced Zachary A. Cunha, United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island.

Kevin Colantonio, 34, of North Providence, RI, was arrested at his home today without incident by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, working with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office.

According to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Providence, it is alleged that Colantonio set several fires around the exterior of Shiloh Gospel Temple shortly after midnight on February 11, 2024. The building was vacant at the time. The fire was quickly extinguished by members of the North Providence Police and Fire Departments. No injuries were reported.

The United States Attorney’s Office sought a criminal complaint late on Wednesday, based on an ongoing, multi-agency investigation that, to date, has included a review of numerous videos, witness interviews, and physical evidence collected and analyzed by investigators. The investigation is continuing.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.