Man accused of threatening churches arrested in Porterville

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An arrest has been made in Porterville after police say several places of worship were threatened.

Investigators say Ross Giles, 63, targeted Catholic priests and nuns at St. Anne's Catholic Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church. Giles was booked into jail and is facing charges of making threats and committing a hate crime.

The Diocese of Fresno issued a statement that said in part: "Although the issue appears to be localized in the Porterville area, all clergy and religious women of the Diocese of Fresno have been notified of the threat with a request for prayer for a peaceful resolution for the common good."