$5 Million Bail for Machete-Wielding Man Charged in Synagogue Hate Crime

Photo Caption: John White

A 40-year-old Westmont man with a $3 million trust fund, accused of vandalism and graffiti of an “anti-Semitic nature” at a Lombard synagogue, is in jail on $5 million bail.

Police were called to the Etz Chaim Synagogue, 1710 South Highland Ave. in Lombard, at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 for reports of a disturbance. When they arrived, police said they found John White driving recklessly on the property — both on and off the pavement, according to the news release.

They discovered seven of the synagogue’s windows had been broken and graffiti on the synagogue.

Police removed White from his vehicle and took him into custody. He had a hatchet, knife and machete with him, reports the Chicago Tribune.

White, of 13 Tartan Lakes Drive in Westmont, appeared in court Friday afternoon before DuPage County Judge Michael. He’s charged with hate crime, a class 3 felony; criminal damage to property, a class 3 felony; possession of a firearm without a FOID card, a class 3 felony; and institutional vandalism, a class 2 felony, according to a DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office press release.

Police also obtained a search warrant for White’s house where they found thousands of rounds of ammunition, a shotgun, rifle and four handguns, prosecutors said.

“The charges against Mr. White are extremely serious,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin. “Hate crimes have a devastating effect not only on the victims themselves, but on the entire community. DuPage County is built on the strengths of our communities and an attack on a religious institution is considered an attack against the entire community.“

The high bail amount is due to White stating he had a $3 million trust fund. White’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 17.