Williamson County, IL – Two men have been arrested and indicted this week in connection with a major arson and property damage case at McKinney Chapel Freewill Baptist Church near Lake of Egypt.
According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the church on July 24 after discovering broken windows, extensive fire damage, and other destruction inside the building. The damage is estimated to exceed $300,000.
Through investigative follow-up, authorities allegedly identified Ethan G. Lam and Chad E. Krueger as suspects. Lam was arrested on July 30, while Krueger was taken into custody on Wednesday. Both were booked into the Williamson County Jail and cited for arson and criminal damage to property, both classified as Class 1 felonies under Illinois law.
A Williamson County Grand Jury convened Thursday and formally indicted both men on charges of Place of Worship Arson and Criminal Damage to Property, both Class 1 felonies.
The sheriff’s office credited several agencies for their assistance in the investigation, including the Lake of Egypt Fire Department, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, and State’s Attorney Ted Hampson.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-997-6541 or submit an anonymous tip through the department’s mobile app, available on both Apple and Android devices.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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