Court date set for Macedonia suspects

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - On Monday, a judges ruling will set free the three men accused of burning the Macedonia Church of God and Christ.

Neighbors are outraged and say they are not happy to have them living next door.

The Springfield men allegedly torched a predominantly black church after Barack Obama was elected President.

A week after being caught by federal authorities, a Federal Court Judge agreed to let them go on $75-thousands bail next week.

21-year-old Thomas Gleason could be back at his home on Tinkham Road.

"He's a really nice kid, it was unexpected that he did something like this, he got caught up with the wrong kids at the wrong time," said Jocelyn Giammarino, a friend of Gleason.

Gleason's neighbor shares a similar sentiment.

"He isn't a bad kid, he got mixed up with the wrong crew and needs someone to point him in the right direction," said George Ellis, a neighbor of Gleason.

The other two suspects, 22-year-old Ben Haskell and 24-year-old Michael Jacques both live on Brookside Circle and are set to post bail, and return to their homes on Monday.

"As long as my kids are safe thats all that matters...but It's scary, and hopefully they wont do anything to us," said neighbor Jason Twining.

The trio faces a minimum of ten years in jail if convicted.