PORTLAND, Ore. — A former Portland freelance journalist guilty of a five-day crime spree where he vandalized several places of worship and a Black-owned business was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday.

Michael Bivins, 37, was convicted of 11 charges, including first-degree arson, five counts of first-degree criminal mischief and five counts of second-degree bias crime. According to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, the jury found that Bivins committed the crimes "because of his perception of the race and religion of the members and owner."

“This sentence sends a clear message that acts of hate and violence will not be tolerated in our community," said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez after the sentencing. "Setting fire and damaging property out o

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