A Utah bride has been charged with aggravated arson, retail theft, and providing false information to authorities after allegedly setting a church on fire one day before her wedding, according to Davis County arrest records.
Lenita Moreno, 25, is facing these charges following an incident at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Kaysville on July 10.
The fire occurred while Moreno, her fiancé, and family members were finishing decorations inside the meetinghouse. According to a police affidavit obtained by KSL, the fire alarm sounded as the family was preparing to leave.
Two individuals attempted to fight the blaze using a fire extinguisher and water. Officials determined the fire originated under a chair and involved unusual items, including what appeared to be a tampon with an applicator on the floor.
Authorities stated that Moreno and her future husband had entered the room shortly before the alarm sounded. While the groom reported they had visited Ace Hardware earlier that day to buy decor hooks, security footage allegedly showed Moreno stealing several lighters and concealing them in her shirt and shoe.
An employee stated the groom was not near Moreno during the alleged theft. While Moreno admitted to stealing but denied taking lighters, officials noted she claimed she did not smoke.
The investigation revealed further allegations of deception. According to the affidavit, Moreno identified herself to authorities as Tessa Moran, which was allegedly not her real name, and falsely claimed to have obtained a marriage license.
The fire caused damages exceeding $108,000, according to KSL.
