Antisemitic and white supremacist symbols spray painted in Champaign cemetery

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Community leaders are responding after a hate crime was committed in a Champaign cemetery.

St. Mary's Cemetery was spray painted with antisemitic and white supremacist symbols and slogans.

Dominic Koca, 18, has been charged with three counts of hate crimes. According to Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz, hate crimes committed in a cemetery are class 3 felonies, punishable by from 3 to 5 years incarceration, or if sentenced to probation a minimum of 200 hours of community service work.

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The Illini Chabad Center for Jewish Living at the University of Illinois responded by saying, "We are gratified by the swift response of the law enforcement agencies in our county who identified the perpetrator and arrested him for committing a hate crime. We are continuing to engage with local officials in order to remain aware of any potential threats to our community; they are, and continue to be, a trusted partner to the C-U Jewish community."

It is known that during times of conflict in the Middle East, antisemitic attacks surge around the world. Many of us have experienced recent growing antisemitic rhetoric in our schools, on our campuses, in our cities. The current environment has emboldened extremists of all stripes."

The pain we are feeling is real, raw and deep. In the face of this challenging moment, we address you as communal leaders and invite you to join in unity against hate. Our unity is our strength."

In Feb. 2024, Koca plead guilty to a Hate Crime.