A grand jury has indicted Jordan Burnette, 30, on multiple charges — including criminal mischief and hate crimes — over a vandalism spree last spring that targeted 4 congregations in the greater Riverdale area, the Riverdale Press reported.
Burnette was arraigned Friday on a 76-count indictment that includes criminal trespass, criminal mischief, aggravated harassment, burglary and petty larceny — many of them charged additionally as hate crimes, it was reported.
Designating such charges as hate crimes could carry higher sentences and fines, if convicted.
One of his targets was Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale on West 246th Street on April 23, where he threw rocks and shattered glass windows and doors.
“With anti-Semitism on the rise, unfortunately, some cowards, some deranged people, are just following along with other anti-Semites,” said Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Director of Chabad of Riverdale at the time. “I just hope we catch them right away, and there are no copycats.”
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, who indicted Burnette, said at the time: “Those shameful incidents brought fear and terror to worshippers. To our Bronx Jewish community, we support you. We are also horrified about these attacks. We live in a vibrant, diverse community, and we are united against these appalling acts.”
It was not immediately clear what kind of criminal penalties Burnette could face if convicted, but he’s not due back in court until next January, the Riverdale Press said.
VIDEO:
