A North Hollywood man was charged today for vandalizing and starting fires inside a church last week, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Russel Congleton (dob 6/2/60) was charged in case LA088888 with two counts each of arson of property and vandalism, and one count each of arson of structure and second-degree commercial burglary.

Congleton pleaded not guilty to the charges and will return for a preliminary hearing setting on Aug. 16 in Department 112 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Van Nuys Branch.

Deputy District Attorney Holly Harpham of the Arson and Explosives Section is prosecuting the case.

On July 25, Congleton is accused of setting fires in and around Saint Charles Borreomeo Church in North Hollywood. He allegedly broke into the church and smashed and damaged various items.

If convicted as charged, Congleton faces a possible maximum sentence of eight years and eight months in state prison

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Los Angeles District Attorney / case LA088888 / August 1, 2018