ZACHARY, LA (WAFB) -
From the pulpit to prison, Pastor Bridgett Steib of the Ministry of Love is out of jail tonight and now faces arson charges.
Investigators say Steib intentionally set her Zachary home on fire, which stuns neighbors.
You may recognize Steib's name. She and her husband, Joseph Steib, are the pastors of the Ministry of Love on Hooper Road. At this time, officials have not mentioned her husband in their investigation.
"You know, I would see some young people there at times, but I knew she was a pastor at her church," said Terry Wall, Steib's neighbor. "So I always assumed it was probably people from that congregation there."
It started Monday morning with several departments responding to the fire at Steib's Zachary home on Jacock Road. Investigators credit the fire fighters for the quick response which preserved crucial evidence. One neighbor is surprised to hear that the friendly woman he frequently saw jog by his home is facing such serious charges.
"I know in the last, probably month or so, I haven't seen a whole lot of people. I haven't seen very many people there, but no.. I wouldn't suspect anything," said Wall.
Investigators say the Steib's did make some adjustments to their insurance policy before the fire. The state fire marshal's office and insurance companies have not yet released a motive.
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