166-month sentence for Michael Jacques

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Michael Jacques of Springfield was sentenced to just under 14 years in prison for his role in the fire that destroyed Springfield’s Macedonia Church of God in Christ.

Jacques was sentenced Thursday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Springfield.  He was also ordered to pay over $1.6 million in restitution to insurance companies as well as an additional $123,000 in restitution to the church. 

The predominantly black Tinkham Road church was under construction when it was destroyed by fire on election night in November 2008 following Barack Obama's presidential victory. Investigators determined the fire was set. 

Two other Springfield men have been convicted in connection with this crime.

Making a victim impact statement in federal court Thursday, Bishop Bryant Robinson, Jr. of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ says he has forgiven those who set fire to the church. "I forgive them, not the act," Robinson said.

Jacques could have been given a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison, but that was seen as unlikely. Following Jacques' conviction back in April, prosecutor Paul Smith said he anticipated sentencing to fall along sentencing guidelines, which would have resulted in a sentence closer to the 15-year range.

U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz said that she is satisfied with the sentence.