Original report
Katherine Aldridge, 67, was booked Sept. 22 in Richmond County after investigators said she set several fires around Vineyard Church of Augusta, causing minor damage.
Richmond County, GA· Sep 22, 2026
An Augusta woman was arrested after investigators said she intentionally set several fires around Vineyard Church of Augusta. Katherine Aldridge, 67, was booked Sept. 22 in Richmond County on a charge of first-degree arson.
According to investigators, church staff arriving early that morning noticed the smell of smoke and found multiple piles of burned or smoldering wood placed around the building. The fires caused limited damage, including to metal on the exterior of the church.
Investigators developed Aldridge as a suspect after speaking with a person who said she had made a statement about burning down the church. She was later interviewed and allegedly admitted setting the fires.
The church's pastor said Aldridge had attended services at times in recent years but had been told several weeks earlier not to return after disruptive behavior. No injuries were reported.