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Written by: A. Smith
Published October 2, 2025 @ 10:05 AM ET
COBB COUNTY, Ga. – A former church member faces arson and terroristic threats charges after authorities say she set fire to a Cobb County church and sent text messages threatening to burn the building and kill the pastor.
Aries Maliah Jordan was arrested late Tuesday and charged with first-degree arson, burglary, vandalism of a place of worship, criminal damage to property, possession of tools for the commission of a crime, and making terroristic threats, according to Cobb County Jail records and court documents.
Investigators say Jordan started the fire at Prayer City Eagles Chapel International Ministries on Joe Jerkins Boulevard in Austell between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sept. 29. The building was completely destroyed in the flames, causing approximately $4 million in damage.
According to arrest warrants, Jordan sent threatening text messages in which she threatened to burn the church and kill the pastor. Church leaders said she sent messages telling them, “Your building is gone.”
Austell Fire Chief Brandon Merritt confirmed Jordan’s arrest and said more details about the case are expected to be released soon.
Investigators said a plastic container of ignitable liquid was found at the scene. Grant told authorities the container did not belong to the church. Jordan is also accused of entering the building without permission and intentionally setting the fire, which authorities say could have endangered lives.
The fire is a devastating setback for the congregation. Three years ago, the church was heavily damaged by flooding and had only recently reopened after full renovations.
Grant said the church has insurance but is relying on online donations. The congregation plans to hold a church service in the parking lot on Sunday morning.
Austell is located about 17 miles west of downtown Atlanta.