New York Paralegal Blog

A recent federal case ended on Friday, November 7, 2025, with the sentencing of Zimnako Salah to six years in prison for a plot targeting Christian churches across multiple states. While the physical threat was a "hoax bomb," the conviction and serious sentence weren't just about the fake threat—they were about the intent and the target. This case powerfully illustrates how the U.S. government uses federal law to protect religious freedom and prosecute crimes motivated by hate. The Laws: What Federal Statutes Were Violated? Salah was convicted of two primary federal crimes, with an extremely serious special finding: 1. The Hoax and False Information (18 U.S.C. § 1038) It's a serious felony to convey false or misleading information that suggests a crime or catastrophe is taking place or is about to take place, especially one that could involve an explosive device. The Crime: Salah was convicted of strapping a backpack around a toilet in a Christian church b...

In tragic events like the shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, the immediate focus is on the victims, their families, and the community's healing. While law enforcement investigates the incident, many people have questions about the legal aspects that come into play. Here's a simple explanation of some of the key legal considerations surrounding such an event. On behalf of the New York paralegal community, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts are with the entire Minneapolis community as they navigate this profound tragedy. We are all united in our sorrow and hope for peace and healing. Criminal Investigation The first and most immediate legal action is the criminal investigation. Because the suspect in this case died at the scene, the criminal case against them is closed. However, the police and other law enforcement agencies, like the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), will continue to invest...

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., announced the sentencing of JEREMY FULTON, 29, a former minister at Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church in Lower Manhattan, to 22 years in prison, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. On April 3, 2011, FULTON pled guilty to Rape in the First Degree relating to the rape and sexual abuse of five girls who attended his church, where FULTON also served as the associate director of the church’s after-school and summer camp programs.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., announced on 4/4/2011, the guilty plea of JEREMY FULTON, 28, a former minister at Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church in Lower Manhattan, for the rape and sexual abuse of five girls who attended his church. FULTON, who also served as the associate director of the church’s after-school and summer camp programs, pled guilty to Rape in the First Degree and is expected to be sentenced on May 20, 2011, to 22 years in prison, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. “This defendant used his position of authority and respect to win the trust of parents and gain unfettered access to children for the purpose of sexually abusing these girls,” said District Attorney Vance. “Children who survive sexual abuse often face a lifetime of recovery, and prosecutions like this bring justice to those victims and their families. Putting an offender like this in prison also saves other victims he might have preyed upon.”

WASHINGTON – An Ohio man was sentenced to 51 months in prison for setting fire to the First Azusa Apostolic Faith Church of God in Conneaut, Ohio , the Department of Justice announced today. Ronald J. Pudder, 23, of Conneaut, pleaded guilty last year to one count of intentionally damaging, destroying and attempting to destroy religious property because of the race, color, and ethnic characteristics of individuals associated with that property. “In this nation, one of our most basic rights is the freedom to practice our faith in peace. We will not tolerate acts of violence that attempt to disrupt that right,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “The Justice Department will aggressively prosecute acts of violence fueled by hate.”

SPRINGFIELD, MA—Additional criminal charges were filed today against two Springfield men in relation to the burning of a Springfield church on November 5, 2008. United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Glenn N. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Boston Field Division; Warren T. Bamford, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Boston Field Office; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Marian J. McGovern; Hampden County District Attorney William Bennett; and Springfield Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, announced additional charges related to the burning of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ, a predominantly African-American church, on the morning after Barack Obama was elected President of the United States.

WESTHAVEN,CT - Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced a lawsuit against a man who fraudulently posed as pastor of a Hamden church, transferred the church property title to his own church and then took out a $1.15 million mortgage on the property that ultimately defaulted. Blumenthal's lawsuit names Willie E. McKay of West Haven, Love Temple Church of Christ in Prayer, Inc. of West Haven, and Foundation Capital Resources, Inc. of Georgia. While not accused of wrongdoing, Foundation Capital is named because of their legal interest in the property as mortgage holder. "This imposter pastor has literally attempted a church hijacking," Blumenthal said. "With unconscionable and unprecedented gall, Willie McKay posed as pastor of Macedonia church and fraudulently transferred ownership of the church's property to his own church's name, enabling him to borrow more than a million dollars for his own purposes. "My office will fight vigorously in court t...