Beth Israel Arson Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Additional Charges

Beth Israel arsonist suspect pleads not guilty, trial pushed back

Beth Israel arsonist suspect pleads not guilty, trial pushed back JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Stephen Spencer Pittman, suspect in the Beth Israel arson, waived his appearance at Wednesday’s arraignment on the new charges, pleading not guilty. Spencer Pittman (WLBT USAGE ONLY)(N/A) Pittman is accused of setting fire to the Beth Israel Congregation building on Old Canton Road in January. His initial court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday. Howev…

Man who admitted setting Jackson's only synagogue waives arraignment, pleads not guilty

Stephen Pittman has waived a federal arraignment hearing on charges related to the arson of a Jackson synagogue.

Beth Israel arson suspect pleads not guilty to additional charges

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) - The man accused of the arson attack at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson waived his appearance in federal court on February 18, 2026. According to court documents, Stephen Pittman pled not guilty after he was recently indicted for arson, damage to religious property and use of fire to commit any felony. [...]

Alleged synagogue arsonist pleads not guilty to new federal charges

Man accused of setting fire to Beth Israel synagogue pleads not guilty to updated federal charges

Stephen Spencer Pittman, the 19-year-old accused of setting fire to Mississippi’s oldest synagogue, waived his appearance in court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the newest charges levied against him at the federal level. Last week, the Department of Justice charged the Madison native by superseding indictment with civil rights and arson offenses related to the burning of the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson on Jan. 10. He had previousl…