3 Men Charged in Federal Court with Burning down Church

RIDGEVIEW, S.D. (AP) — Three Dewey County men are accused of burning down a church that had stood for nearly a century.

Twenty-seven-year-old Cody Yellow, 28-year-old Robert Grindstone and 28-year-old Ake Kyle Eagle Hunter are charged in federal court with third-degree burglary and arson. Each faces 30 years in federal prison if convicted. Their attorneys either didn't comment or didn't immediately respond.

The Argus Leader reports that the three men are accused in a July 19 fire that destroyed St. Basil's Church west of Ridgeview. The church was built in 1917. It no longer has regular services but still hosts weddings, funerals and an annual Memorial Day Mass.

State historic preservation specialist Chris Nelson says the church was considered a local historic landmark.

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