Man held in connection with Victoria Mosque fire

VICTORIA, Texas (KTRK) -- A man is being held in connection with a fire that destroyed a mosque in Victoria.

Marq Vincent Perez was in a detention hearing today in federal court where prosecutors presented evidence that tied him to the fire, a spokesperson said.

RELATED: Victoria mosque fire is ruled arson

Perez burglarized the mosque on Jan. 22, then again on Jan. 28 when he set it on fire according to evidence, the spokesperson said.

Perez was in court on an unrelated charge of possession of a destructive device.

He possessed multiple "commercially available pyrotechnic devices" that were taped together and used to set a car on fire on Jan. 15, officials said.

Perez's attorney sent ABC13 the following statement:

My client attended a detention hearing today, based on a complaint that charged him with possessing an "incendiary device". During the hearing, the Assistant United States Attorneys introduced evidence that my client was involved with the Mosque fire in Victoria. Most of allegations were based upon the hearsay statements of an unnamed confidential informant, who did not testify; and in fact, admitted his guilt in burglarizing the mosque. We are looking forward to the trial or fair resolution of this case.