Authorities: Suspect linked to arson at Texas mosque

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Weeks after an Islamic Center in Texas went up in flames in a fire blamed arson, authorities say they are investigating a man suspected of burglarizing the mosque.

A federal judge in Corpus Christi denied bail for Marq Perez of Victoria County on Thursday after hearing testimony that authorities are investigating his potential involvement in a hate crime in Victoria, according to court records.

Perez was arrested on a charge of having an incendiary device.

An ATF spokeswoman declined to comment about the case and said she was instructed to refer all inquiries to the Department of Justice.

Attorney Mark Di Carlo, who represents the Perez, told the Caller-Times the charge relates to "five large firecrackers that were taped together on to one fuse." He said allegations were brought up about the mosque at the bail hearing but that his client has not been charged in connection with the arson.

Jews open temple to Muslims after mosque burns down

ATF: Fire at Texas mosque ruled arson; $30,000 in rewards offered

Angela Dodge, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, told the Caller-Times in an email information presented in court showed Perez is suspected of burglarizing the mosque on Jan. 22 and then again on Jan. 28, when the fire occurred.

The charge he faces is related to a Jan. 15 incident involving a car that was set on fire, Dodge wrote. He was arrested March 3.

If convicted, Perez faces up to a decade in federal prison for the car fire.

The Corpus Christi judge's order also notes that Perez is accused of using an "unregistered destructive device" and possessing loaded guns that were found in the open at a home he shares with an infant and toddler.

Those findings "demonstrate that he represents a serious danger to the community, and that witnesses against him may be in danger if he is released," the order states.

Law enforcement agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, state fire marshal's office, the Victoria fire marshal and the Department of Public Safety, began an investigation after the Victoria Fire Department put the fire out Jan. 28.

According to an ATF news release, the fire engulfed the building and caused $500,000 in damage.