Reward in Joplin Islamic Center Arson Upped to $50,000

JOPLIN, Mo. -- The FBI has upped the ante in the search for the suspect in the July 4 arson fire at the Center.

On Wednesday, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, announced a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the blaze.

That's up from $15,000 on July 16. The combined $50,000 reward is comprised of $40,000 from the FBI and $10,000 from the ATF.

Around 3:30 a.m. July 4, an arson fire occurred on the roof of the Islamic Center of Joplin. The fire was contained to the surface of the roof and did not penetrate the building.  A review of surveillance video showed an unidentified white male walk up to the building and throw an ignited object onto the roof.

Then on August 6, another fire occurred at the center, which was unoccupied at the time. It sustained a total loss.

The FBI says although the cause of the fire on August 6 remains undetermined, significant law enforcement resources are being utilized in furtherance of the investigation into both incidents.

The FBI says the reward was increased to place a greater emphasis on the assistance needed by the public.

Anyone with information should contact the FBI Joplin Field Office 417-206-5700; ATF 1-888-ATF-FIRE or 417-837-2100; Jasper County Sheriff's Office 417-358-8177 or the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-392-7766.

The ongoing criminal investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the ATF, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety's Office and the Jasper County Sheriff's Department.

                       Surveillance photo of suspect: