NJ Man Charged in Crimes Targeting Jewish

It appears the Jewish businesses were being targeted, police say

A New Jersey man arrested Wednesday in connection with a series of overnight vandalisms at Jewish businesses in Highland Park is now being pinned in previous crimes targeting Jewish institutions in the area.

Police arrested Richard M. Green, 52, of New Brunswick on Wednesday, charging him with five counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief for smashing the windows of Jewish businesses along Raritan Avenue.  

Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce J. Kaplan said Thursday Green also damaged windows at the Chabad House, a private religious school on College Avenue, and at Rutgers Hillel, another religious facility on the Rutgers University campus, on Nov. 27.

Green is being charged by prosecutors with three counts of third-degree bias intimidation for the incidents.

It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney.

The Anti-Defamation League released a statement Wednesday condemning the crimes.

"We are appalled by the targeting of Jewish stores," said Lawrence Cooper, ADL New Jersey Regional Board Chair. "These shocking crimes target the entire Jewish community as these locations appear to have been selected because of their Jewishness."

The Middlesex County District Attorney's office said it is offering cash rewards to anyone who anonymously provides information that leads to an arrest. Calls may be placed to 800-939-9600, or information texted to 274637 with the keyword "midtip" followed by the message.

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