Raymore man charged in 2020 arson case that destroyed 100-year-old Missouri church

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Raymore, Missouri man is facing charges in connection to a 2020 arson fire that destroyed a historic Johnson County church.

Johnson County Prosecuting Attorney Robert W. Russell filed charges last week against Scott Gregory Taylor, 36, who is accused of burning rural Leeton’s Harmony Baptist Church to the ground in July 2020.

Taylor is charged with one count of second-degree arson. He was arrested on Monday by Kansas City police and is currently being held in the Jackson County jail on a $25,000 cash bond.

The Johnson County Fire Protection District responded to the Harmony Baptist Church late on Sunday, July 5, 2020, after a neighbor observed the over 100-year-old church on fire.

The church was not able to be saved and has since been closed and demolished.

The origin and cause of the fire was determined to be arson.

Further investigation found security camera video recovered from the church showing a man setting the church on fire where investigators had determined the fire originated.

Back in July, the fire district and Missouri State Fire Marshal announced a renewed effort to solve the arson case and asked for anyone with information to come forward.

“A loss of a landmark and place of worship is always difficult for a small community and this fire had a deep impact on the area,” said Fire Chief Larry Jennings. “We are pleased to see an arrest has been made concerning this heartbreaking fire.”

Jennings went on to say they appreciate the assistance received from community members and encourages anyone else who may have additional information to call the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-392-7766.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.