San Marcos teen arrested for suspected arson at Austin synagogue

A San Marcos teen was arrested in connection with an Austin synagogue fire.

Franklin Barrett Sechriest, 18, was charged with arson following an investigation conducted into the fire that took place at Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd. in Austin, on Halloween. 

The Austin Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at the synagogue at approximately 9:05 p.m., according to an arrest affidavit. Fire crews found the porch/entry of Beth Israel on fire when they arrived. The affidavit stated that the fire caused an estimated $25,000 in structural damage.