Anti-Semitic Banner, Fliers In Lakewood Investigated As Hate Crime: Attorney General

LAKEWOOD, NJ — An anti-Semitic banner and fliers posted around Lakewood this weekend that referenced the recent string of arrests in a public assistance fraud investigation are under investigation by state and local authorities.

The banner was draped across a Holocaust memorial at Congregation Sons of Israel in Lakewood, according to a tweet from the Anti-Defamation League, and included an anti-Semitic slur and a reference to a website that promotes white supremacist views.

The fliers had been placed on vehicles around the township, according to a report in the Asbury Park Press.

"This is sickening," New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino said in a tweet Sunday. The tweet also said there is a $10,000 reward for bias crime info and conviction, and seeking information and tips on the people responsible.

The flier, tweeted by the Anti-Defamation League, directly references the arrests and includes photos of some of the people arrested last week in what federal and local law enforcement has said is an ongoing investigation into public assistance fraud. Seven married couples, including a rabbi, were arrested in a pair of raids, accused of taking at least $2 million in assistance ranging from SNAP and utilities assistance to housing and Superstorm Sandy assistance, according to federal authorities and the Ocean County Prosecutor's office.

Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer told the Asbury Park Press that the department is working with state law enforcement and the prosecutor's office on the case.

"We will not tolerate this kind of behavior," Meyer said. "We will look to prosecute all incidents of bias crimes that take place against our citizens."

"Looking forward to outcome of @Lakewood_PD and @OC_PROS investigation," the Anti-Defamation League tweeted.

Porrino urged anyone with information to call 1-877-277-2427 with tips or to visit the state Attorney General's webpage on bias crimes. Click here or go to www.nj.gov/oag/bias/

Have you been a victim to or have witnessed a hate crime? Tell your story here.

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