Accused of anti-Semitic graffiti in Nelsonville
A Philipstown resident has been charged with hate crimes stemming from an incident on Oct. 31 in which a swastika and anti-Semitic slur were painted inside a house under construction in Nelsonville. The property is owned by a Jewish resident.
Louis Weber, 18, a 2018 graduate of Haldane High School, was arrested by Putnam County Sheriff’s Investigator Paul Piazza on Feb. 20 and charged with felony burglary; felony criminal mischief; and misdemeanor criminal trespass. Each charge was enhanced as a hate crime. He also faces misdemeanor graffiti charges.
Weber was released from the Putnam County jail on Feb. 21 after posting $2,000 bail. His next court appearance, in Nelsonville Justice Court, has not been scheduled.
In November Piazza made two other arrests in connection with the vandalism. A 17-year-old Garrison resident and an 18-year-old resident of Highland Falls were charged with felony burglary, criminal mischief and trespassing as well as graffiti misdemeanors. Both are eligible to be adjudicated as youthful offenders and were not named.
We were relieved to see some action has been taken regarding the anti-Semitic graffiti in Nelsonville. We are keenly aware of the dangers of complacency in the face of hate, and as Jewish residents of Philipstown, we felt this particular act acutely.
We question why the 18-year-old resident of Highlands Falls is being adjudicated as a “youthful offender” and think a further explanation from the district attorney is warranted. And while we respect the right to privacy of anyone under 18, it is horrifying to know that there is a 17-year-old kid in Garrison who is so vehemently anti-Semitic.
We only hope that the community will continue to educate their children to value and respect all religions, races and ethnicities.
Although the two unnamed suspects in the case are eligible for youthful offender status, the district attorney’s office says it has not yet decided whether they will receive it.
Chip Rowe
Managing Editor