15-Year-Old Identified As Vandal In Middlesex Co. Jewish Center Incident: Prosecutor

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — A 15-year-old has been identified for allegedly vandalizing Congregation Etz Chaim Jewish Center in Monroe on Nov.9, authorities said.

On Nov. 17, Monroe Police concluded its investigation into the graffiti that was found on the Congregation Etz Chaim Jewish Center on November 9.

With the assistance of local residents and businesses, detectives were able to successfully identify and interview the 15-year-old who was responsible for the vandalism, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Acting Chief of Police Griffin Banos of the Monroe Police Department said.

On Nov. 9, “offensive language” was spray-painted on Temple, Etz Chaim – Monroe Township Jewish Center.

“The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office reiterates its stance against hate in all forms,” Ciccone said. “We will continue to investigate every reported bias incident in our community vigorously and will not hesitate to prosecute consistent with the law.”

The teen was deemed not to be a threat to the Jewish Community or the community at large.

The investigation into this incident continues and charges are pending review by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, authorities said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Dale Degraw of the Monroe Police Department at 732-521-0222 ext. 163.

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