Homeless Man Accused Of Hate-Fueled Messages Targeting Jews

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A 45-year-old homeless man has been accused of leaving a series of hate-fueled messages targeting Jews on Miami Beach.

"Since late January, the Mid Beach and North Beach areas have had a series on incidents involving the scrawling of swastikas in public places," explained Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department in announcing the arrest late Wednesday night. "In three of the instances, the word 'death' was also written, and in another, the words 'kill the Jews.'"

Sean Kenna was charged with seven felony counts of criminal mischief, six of which are associated with a message or symbol of hate.

Miami Beach police said that some residents were frightened by the messages.

"Next, the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office will review each case and determine if a hate crime enhancement is applicable," said Rodriguez.

He said Kenna was arrested after several weeks of heightened patrols and special surveillance efforts by patrol units in the areas.

"Today members of our Intelligence Unit captured the suspect," Rodriguez said.

According to arrest documents, Kenna allegedly admitted to leaving the messages. Court documents said Kenna allegedly targeted at least one U.S. Postal Service mailbox, an electrical box and a pedestrian road sign, the front gate of a home and

The messages were discovered in a predominantly Jewish area of Miami Beach, according to court documents