The trial is starting for a man accused of burning down a predominantly black church in Massachusetts because he was upset about Barack Obama’s election as president.
Michael Jacques (JAKES’) was among three white men charged with burning down the Macedonia Church of God in Christ hours after Obama was elected in November 2008.
Jacques’ lawyer denies the charges. Those include conspiracy against civil rights and destruction to religious property.
The prosecution and defense are scheduled to present their cases to the jury Monday in U.S. District Court in Springfield.
The other two defendants have pleaded guilty.
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