Man Ordered To Pay $3K, 2 Years Probation For Menorah Vandalism

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — A Texas man was sentenced to two years formal probation and to pay $3,000 in restitution related to the vandalism of a Beverly Hills menorah display in December, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.

Eric Brian King, 47, pleaded no contest to a felony vandalism charge and a hate crime allegation, meaning he did not plead guilty but accepted charges.

King was also sentenced to a one-year mental health program, according to the District Attorney's office. A 16-month state prison sentence was suspended. King was jailed for 108 days before his trial.

King is accused of carving Nazi symbols into a Beverly Hills resident's menorah display on December 18, the first night of Hanukkah, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department. Police say he threw objects at the menorah and was taken into custody the same night.

"It was really disgusting," resident of the affected home Nicole Newman told CBS Los Angeles at the time. "As horrible as this was, I will say I feel very supported by my friends, family, by my city — and for that I'm very grateful."

Many local leaders also spoke out to condemn the crime, including California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis.

"Horrified to hear of another hateful act of antisemitism, especially during the celebration of Hanukkah. Standing in solidarity with the Jewish Community and against these hateful acts," Kounalakis wrote in a Tweet.