Portsmouth Man Accused Of Hate Crimes At Synagogue

CONCORD, NH — A 31-year-old Portsmouth man is facing penalties after being accused of violating the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act twice.

The civil complaint alleges that on April 8, Kevin O'Leary used a hammer to smash two decorative lanterns that flanked the entrance of Temple Israel in Portsmouth, according to Attorney General John M. Formella's office.

Each lantern contained stained glass that depicted the Star of David, a symbol of the Jewish community and a symbol displayed on the flag of the State of Israel, officials said.

"The civil complaint alleges that the damage to each lantern constituted separate acts of property damage and, therefore, two violations of the Civil Rights Act because Mr. O'Leary was motivated by a combination of religion, national origin, and ancestry when he smashed the two lanterns," the attorney's office said. "These acts interfered with the rights and lawful activities of the victims, Temple Israel and its congregants, because the acts interfered with their right to worship freely and display symbols of their faith."

Each violation of the Civil Rights Act allows for a maximum civil penalty of $5,000, according to officials. The Civil Rights Unit has also asked the court to implement a preliminary restraining order to protect the victims and the public from O'Leary.