Man Arrested After Rockville Synagogue Defaced With Swastikas: PD

ROCKVILLE, MD — Authorities have arrested a man who they said spray painted swastikas and derogatory epithets on a Rockville synagogue last month.

Andrew Lemond Costas, 28, of Rockville, was apprehended Thursday evening and was charged with malicious destruction of property, defacing religious property, and damaging property of a group because of the group's religious beliefs.

Montgomery County police allege that Costas vandalized one of Tikvat Israel Congregation's exterior walls shortly before on March 28. They say he was caught on surveillance video pulling into the synagogue's parking lot and spray painting the building shortly before 1:30 a.m.

Costas was released after posting a $5,000 bond.

A court date has not yet been scheduled.