CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — A Champaign man was arraigned in court today in relation to defacing grave markers and memorials with antisemitic and white supremacist symbols.
An 18-year-old 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.
An investigation determined that on November 1, 2023, at approximately 6 p.m., the suspect was seen by a witness spray painting racial and Jewish slurs and swastikas on a mausoleum and on grave markers at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Champaign. The slurs were found on at least 9 grave markers and memorials.
When officers arrived, he attempted to flee but was apprehended. Following a waiver of his Miranda Rights, he told officers that he spray painted the hate speech on the memorials.
Related Links
He said he had hateful feelings towards racial and ethnic groups that have intensified due to the Hamas/Israel war and he wanted to “be known for something.” He also admitted having been at Mattis Park in Champaign and spray painting a swastika on the sidewalk and hanging a flag with a swastika on it.
He told officers that seeing his previous crime on Crimestoppers enticed him to do more.
The 18-year-old was arrested by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to the formal charges, the State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition seeking detention under the Pretrial Fairness Act. The hearing on that request will be held Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.
In court, the Public Defender’s Office requested that the suspect be released from custody in light of medical and mental health diagnosis. State’s Attorney Julia Rietz provided Judge Olmstead information regarding his mental health records provided by his mother. Based on that information Judge Olmstead ordered the suspect detained until Monday’s hearing.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Copyright 2023. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
