Mira Mesa

A young man who had attended First Baptist Church of Mira Mesa pleaded not guilty Monday to setting a fire there that caused at least $400,000 in damages.

Shawn Thompson, 21, who lived in a trailer park near the church, was ordered held in County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail by Municipal Judge Terry Knoepp.

Last Thursday’s early-morning fire destroyed much of the sanctuary and was apparently caused when someone ignited choir robes and hymnals that had been doused with lighter fluid.

Thompson apparently had attended the church recently and reportedly told police that he was angry because someone in the church refused his $10 contribution.

A preliminary hearing was set for May 11.