Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Roklan urged the court June 4 to impose a stiff sentence based on the gravity of the crime and its racial overtones.

A Rhode Island man has admitted to using gasoline to set several fires around the exterior of a predominantly Black church earlier this year, according to a federal plea agreement.

Kevin Colantonio, 35, of North Providence, R.I., was arrested a few days after the fire at Shiloh Gospel Temple. He is expected to admit to targeting the church because of its mostly Black membership.

According to authorities, 36-year-old Kevin Colantonio was sentenced to 78 months to prison and three years of supervised release.

Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries Pastor Eric Perry said he was in the court Thursday for the sentencing of 36-year-old Kevin Colantonio. "Even me seeing him yesterday.

Kevin Colantonio pleaded guilty to trying to burn down a predominantly Black church in North Providence in 2024. Colantonio also plead guilty to throwing urine and feces at corrections officers.

Kevin Colantonio was convicted of trying to burn down a predominantly Black church in North Providence in February 2024 and was sentenced on June 5 to 78 months in prison.

Kevin Colantonio, 36, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for attempting to burn down a predominantly Black church. Colantonio pleaded guilty to arson and obstruction of religious freedom, as ...

Prosecutors said Kevin Colantonio set several fires around the exterior of the Shiloh Gospel Temple early February 11 in North Providence after purchasing a lighter and gasoline.

Kevin Colantonio, 36, of North Providence, also pleaded guilty to throwing urine and feces at correctional officers, prosecutors said.