Man Accused Of Threatening Members Of Jewish Synagogue In Lake County

ANTIOCH, IL — A 33-year-old man faces hate crime and harassment charges for threatening members of a Lake County synagogue and other Jewish organizations, authorities said.

Christopher Williams, of Antioch, was taken into custody Friday following a lengthy joint investigation by the Antioch Police Department and federal law enforcement agencies.

Authorities say Williams initially threatened violence against several Jewish organizations across the nation, and then made repeated direct threats of violence toward congregates of the Sanctuary Messianic Synagogue, 1949 E. Old Elm Road in Lindenhurst.

A warrant was issued for Williams arrest on Friday, and he was taken into custody a short time later near his home in the Antioch Clublands Subdivisione. He has been charged with hate crime and electronic harassment.

Wiliams remains in custody on a $700,000 bail. He is next expected in court on May 17.

Following Williams arrest, Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow said hateful acts have no place in our hometown community.

“This type of discrimination and threats of violent behavior will not be tolerated in our community where we foster the core values of respect and inclusivity,” Guttschow said.