A Richmond man charged with trying to set fire to the former Ark of Mercy Church of God pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning.
Simeon T. Mullins, 20, was originally facing felony third-degree arson charges following the fire this summer. A month ago, the grand jury indicted Mullins for attempted third-degree arson, a misdemeanor, and sent the case back to Clark District Court.
Police said Mullins got into an argument with his girlfriend, who lived nearby. During the argument, Mullins allegedly lit some garbage and threw it into the basement of the vacant church. Fire officials said the fire did little damage to the structure.
Mullins was arrested in Richmond several days after the fire.
The building on East Broadway was recently demolished to make way for a new downtown parking lot.
The Clark County Fiscal Court purchased the former church and a neighboring building earlier in the spring for the project.
Contact Fred Petke at fpetke@winchestersun.com.
