NORWICH – Three Norwich youths have been apprehended and charged with wrecking the inside of a synagogue on South Broad Street last week, according the City of Norwich Police Department.
Listed between the ages of 13 and 14, the three youths were arrested Saturday after an “involved parent” contacted police with information about the crime.
Since Wednesday, when the damage was discovered, the Norwich Police have been leading an investigation with assistance from state police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation evidence technicians.
“We’re terribly relieved,” said Dr. Lawrence Rosenblum, a member of the Norwich Jewish Center, located at 70-76 S. Broad St. “We’re so appreciative the police have closed this out.”
Windows, furniture, dishes, light fixtures and religous relics were destroyed on all three floors of the brick building, once the Eaton Mansion. An anti-Semitic message was left behind in graffiti. The damage was estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars. The center’s sacred torrahs were left unharmed.
Rosenblum said he and others were surprised by the age of the alleged perpetrators, but hope justice will be served.
“We hope and expect the courts and justice system will try and reform these kids,” Rosenblum added. “So they know how evil they’ve been ... Maybe someday they can come back before our congregation as reformed adults and make an apology.”
The perpetrators are facing 3rd degree burglary and 2nd degree criminal mischief charges, both felonies. A count of misdemeanor conspiracy was also tagged on.
“These are very serious charges,” said Police Chief Joseph Angelino.
The crimes are eligible to fall into the criteria of “hate crimes” under the state’s Hate Crimes Act of 2000, according to a prepared statement from the police department.
The youths were issued an appearance ticket for Chenango County Family Court at a later date and released to the custody of their parents. It was not known at press time if they can, or will be tried as adults. A class D felony charge could carry a maximum of two and a third to seven years in prison.
“As police, we’re glad to see there was closure so quickly,” said Angelino. “The Jewish community, however, has a lot of physical work ahead to get their synagogue back in shape.”