MONSEY – The Ramapo Police Department has arrested a 32-year-old Hillcrest man on a charge of committing a hate crime when he painted swastikas and hate speech as well as damage to various items within the premises.
The vandalism occurred on June 17 at the synagogue in Monsey. Following investigation, the Ramapo Police Investigations Division arrested Rolando DeJesus Gomez-Velazquez and charged with criminal mischief as a hate crime for causing damage of over $250 to property. He was also charged with aggravated harassment for drawing swastikas on the property and building of another without permission. All of the charges are felonies.
The crimes are not qualifying offenses requiring bail under the state’s criminal justice reform laws therefore he was released from custody without bail on June 25 and issued an appearance ticket to return to town court at a later date.
