Judge rejects lower bond for church arson suspect

A McHenry County judge refused to lower bond Wednesday for a homeless man accused of setting fire to a church and two portable toilets in Cary last year, saying he would be a risk if allowed free.

The ruling keeps Thomas J. Meehan, 18, in custody at the McHenry County jail on $70,000 bond while he awaits trial on three charges of arson stemming from the October fires.

Meehan appeared in court Wednesday hoping to get his bond reduced to $10,000, saying that though he is homeless and cannot drive, he could live with his sister if allowed free and she would drive him to and from court.

But county prosecutors objected to his request, saying Meehan would present an "absolute danger" if allowed out of jail.

Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Philip Hiscock said Meehan told police after his arrest that he despised religion and had a compulsion to start fires.

"He's already put people in danger, including the people in church when he started that fire," Hiscock said. "We think there's a likelihood for him to commit other offenses given his statement to police that he has this compulsion."

Judge Joseph Condon agreed, saying, "The bond is set reasonably under these circumstances."

The charges against Meehan allege he set fire to a bathroom stall at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Oct. 10 and then ignited a couple of portable toilets at Lions Park.

If convicted of all charges, he could face four to 15 years in prison.