Nation

January 31, 2012

N.J. synagogue attacker confessed, prosecutor says

JTA

Tweet

Share

The 19-year-old man charged in attacks on two northern New Jersey synagogues confessed to the crimes, prosecutors said.

Anthony Graziano confessed to the Jan. 11 firebomb attack on a synagogue and residence in Rutherford and the Jan. 3 arson attack on a synagogue in Paramus, Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Martin Delaney said Tuesday, according to reports.

Also Tuesday, Graziano pleaded not guilty to additional charges that he planned to attack the Jewish Community Center of Paramus.

Graziano’s attorney said his client has a history of poor mental health and that any confession should be treated skeptically. The attorney, Robert Kalisch, told The Record newspaper that he is considering entering an insanity plea.

A state Superior Court judge in Hackensack reduced Graziano’s bail from $5 million to $2.5 million, but reiterated that he is still a danger to the community, according to reports.

Graziano has been charged with nine counts of first-degree attempted murder in the Rutherford attack, as well as one count each of bias intimidation and aggravated arson. Rabbi Nosson Schuman of Congregation Beth El, who lives with his family in the synagogue residence, was injured in the attack.

In the Paramus attack on Congregation K’Hal Adath Jeshurun, Graziano was charged with aggravated arson and bias intimidation, as well as third-degree arson.

If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to up to 95 years in prison.

---

Post your comment below!

Click here to return to the homepage.

COMMENTS

We welcome your feedback. Comments may not exceed 700 characters.

Privacy Policy

Your information will not be shared or sold without your consent. Get all the details.

Terms of Service

JewishJournal.com has rules for its commenting community.Get all the details.

No forgiveness or any sign of Jewish wackiness.  This animal knew what he was doing.  Now he has to pay for it.

Comment by Arkady on 1/31/12 at 6:32 pm

Post a Comment

Name:
Email:

Type the word you see below:

Comment:

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?