University of Texas at Dallas Student Arrested in Collin County

Frisco police arrested Manojh Sai Lella, 22, on December 22 and charged him with arson and a terroristic threat, according to Collin County jail and court records. Lella faces a first degree felony charge of arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship, and a Class A misdemeanor charge of terroristic threat of a family or household member. Bond was set at 100,000 dollars for the felony count and 3,500 dollars for the misdemeanor count.

Jail records list Lella as a male born in 2003 with a home address in Frisco, and identify the Frisco Police Department as the issuing authority and the arresting agency. As of Wednesday, jail records showed he remained confined in the Collin County jail where records indicate he had been held for two days. Court filings do not yet list an attorney for Lella, and there is no court disposition in either case at this time.

Lella is listed on LinkedIn as a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas studying Information Technology, with prior volunteer experience and involvement in student organizations. No public posts were visible on the profile as of Wednesday. Investigators have not released further details about the alleged incident or the specific place of worship referenced in the arson charge. Our newsroom contacted the Frisco Police Department seeking comment and had not received a response by publication time.

The legal stakes are significant, and remain theoretical until proven in court. A first degree felony in Texas can carry a sentence of five to ninety nine years or life in prison, while a Class A misdemeanor can be punished by up to one year in jail. For residents, the charges underscore concerns about safety at houses of worship and on local college campuses, and the importance of timely information from law enforcement about incidents that could affect community security.

The case will proceed through the Collin County criminal courts where prosecutors must establish the allegations. Local leaders and institutions may face pressure to review safety protocols and communication practices as the investigation continues and court proceedings begin.