Richard Froese
South Peace News
Sentencing for a High Prairie man who admitted to setting fire to an historic Catholic church building in Grouard in May 2023 has been delayed.
Gerald Kenneth Capot, 51, was scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 18 in the Court of King’s Bench in Peace River for arson to property of others.
However, the matter was adjourned to Feb. 24 to set a date for sentencing, states information provided CourtChecks.
No reason was given for the delay.
Capot pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared at a trial that started May 21, 2024.
Capot and Kenneth Randy Ferguson were both charged in connection with a fire that heavily damaged the St. Bernard Mission Church on May 22, 2023.
Ferguson was sentenced to 90 days for break-and-enter after pleading guilty on May 21, Court Checks says. He was 56 at the time he was charged shortly after incident. Ferguson was given credit for time served and relesed.
A charge of arson to property of others was withdrawn on May 21.
Ferguson was also placed on probation for 12 months.
An RCMP news release stated police responded to a report of a fire at the 121-year-old building around 3:30 p.m.
“Preliminary investigation indicates it is suspicious in nature,” said Const. Julie-Ann Strilaiff, Media Relations Officer, Peace Regional RCMP.
Big Lakes County Fires Services responded to the call with crews from Grouard, Enilda and Joussard. High Prairie Fire Department also responded.
The building contained many historical and unique items, including paintings by Bishop Emile Grouard.
Construction of the church building was completed in 1902 and was a shining example of Bishop Grouard’s dedication to God, his love of nature and respect for the local people.
The church building was demolished several months after the fire.