Kaysville Police arrested 25-year-old Lenita Joy Moreno on Monday following an investigation into an alleged arson attempt at the historic Kaysville Tabernacle. The incident occurred on the night of July 10, one day before a wedding was scheduled to take place at the building, which currently serves as a ward house for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
According to arrest documents, police and fire officials responded to the church at 198 W. Center at 10:07 p.m. on July 10. Family members were inside the building preparing for the wedding when the fire alarm activated. Witnesses reported finding a fire in the Relief Society room and used water from wedding decorations and a fire extinguisher to put it out.
Investigators noted the fire appeared to have started under a chair among a stack of chairs along a wall. The ATF collected items from the scene, including what appeared to be a tampon with the applicator on the floor.
Moreno, who reportedly identified herself as Tessa Moran to officials during the investigation, faces several charges. These include aggravated arson, a first-degree felony; providing false information to a peace officer or agency, a class B misdemeanor; and retail theft valued at less than $500.
The investigation revealed that Moreno had allegedly taken two cigarette lighters without paying for them from an Ace Hardware store. While Moreno admitted to stealing from the hardware store during an interview on Monday, she declined to disclose the specific items taken.
Court documents state that building repairs are estimated to cost just over $108,000. Investigators noted that Moreno had lied about obtaining a marriage license for the wedding scheduled for the following day. Moreno is currently being held without bail.
The Kaysville Tabernacle is a historic building currently utilized as a ward house for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
