Ex-parishioner convicted of 2002 arson that destroyed Illinois church

Published: 2003-11-21

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (CNS) -- Adam Palinski, a former member of St. Michael Parish in Wheaton, was convicted Nov. 6 by a DuPage County jury on charges of arson. He was arrested in connection with the March 18, 2002, blaze that destroyed the 45-year-old church building. Palinski, 22, potentially could serve up to 77 years in prison on separate counts of aggravated arson, arson and residential arson, according to Laura Pollastrini, spokeswoman for the DuPage County state's attorney's office. Prosecutors said Palinski, who had been drinking, entered the church through an unlocked door, finished off the altar wine, defaced a book of religious readings, spewed comments from the pulpit and set fire to the Lenten tapestries. Fire spread quickly throughout the 800-seat house of worship. Losses were set at more than $5 million. After setting the church blaze, he set fire to a neighbor's residence. Damage to the house was slight. According to Pollastrini, the jury deliberated for an hour and a half before convicting Palinski. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 23.

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