Information given to the Delaware State Police and the FBI regarding vandalism at the Islamic Society of Delaware, 28 Salem Church Road led to charges against three juveniles. A State Police spokesman said the incident did not appear to be a hate crime. Salem Church Road is located outside of Newark.
The investigation began on October 25 when troopers received a report of vandalism. The incident occurred overnight when a vinyl fence was broken into several pieces, a wooden sign was knocked down, and a LED message sign was broken.
On Tuesday, troopers reported that two residents came forward with information about juveniles. Troopers and FBI agents took three 16-year-old Newark males into custody this evening.
“After a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the Delaware State Police and the FBI, there was no conclusive evidence to show that this act of vandalism was directed, targeted, or focused towards the Islamic Society of Delaware because of its religious affiliation or intended to intimidate the Islamic community” said Sergeant Paul G. Shavack, director of Public Information for the Delaware State Police. “We have determined that it was a random act of vandalism, and have no evidence at this time to support classification as a hate crime.”
Troopers charged each with one count of criminal mischief over $5,000, and conspiracy second degree. One defendant was released on $4,000 unsecured bond. And other defendant was released on $2,000 unsecured bond, and the third defendant was committed on $2,000 secured bond to a juvenile facility.
