A homeless man has pleaded guilty to starting a fire that destroyed a 117-year-old synagogue in Duluth, Minnesota.
Thirty-six-year-old Matthew Amiot entered his guilty pleas on negligent fire charges Tuesday in St. Louis County District Court.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
The fire destroyed the Adas Israel Synagogue on Sept. 9. Authorities say Amiot used a lighter to ignite combustible materials outside the main building.
The complaint says Amiot admitted starting the fire and told police he tried to spit on it to put it out, but walked away when that didn't work.
Police say they don't believe the fire was a hate crime.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 25. The Star Tribune of Minneapolis reported that prosecutors were recommending probation.
