Bergen Firebomber Guilty Of Terrorism, Faces Possible Life Sentence: Report

Aakash Dalal, 24, was convicted of terrorism Tuesday and more than a dozen other counts for firebombing North Jersey synagogues in 2011, NorthJersey.com reported.

He faces the possibility of life in prison when he is sentenced Dec. 21, the report stated.

Authorities said Dalal was the brainchild behind the firebombings of two Bergen County synagogues in and encouraged the attacks, authorities said in 2012.

Dalal allegedly showed Anthony Graziano how to make the Molotov cocktails used in firebombings of the Jewish Community Centerin Paramus and Congregation Beth El in Rutherford; Dalal and Graziano also spray painted anti-Semitic graffiti on synagogues in Hackensack and Maywood, authorities said. The friends have known each other since middle school.

Investigators uncovered online conversations between Graziano and Dalal that seem to indicate that Graziano was trying to impress Dalal. In one conversation on Jan. 4, Graziano and Dalal were speaking about the attack on Congregation K'hal Adath Jeshurun, which did minimal damage.

"Basically no damage," Dalal allegedly wrote.

"It did nothing. You haven't proven yourself."

"So how much damage would be acceptable?" Graziano allegedly asked.

"Serious damage," Dalal allegedly responded. "Or total burnage."

In a later conversation, Graziano allegedly reports that he has found all-wood synagogue, Beth El in Rutherford, Molinelli said.

"Make sure they break through the windows," Dalal allegedly advised.

Graziano was also found guilty of terrorism and 19 other counts in May, the report stated. He is awaiting sentencing.

The two apparently discussed the investigation into the attacks, as well. In another undated conversation after the Rutherford attack, Dalal allegedly wrote, "We are going to put these Jews in their ... place. ... Molinelli is going to lose his ... job."

Investigators pored over hundreds of similar conversations recovered from Graziano's computers, authorities said.

Dalal was charged with aggravated arson, conspiracy to commit aggravated arson and bias intimidation in connection with the firebombings. He and Graziano were also charged with two counts each of criminal mischief in connection with the graffiti incidents.

Dalal has another pending indictment charging him with conspiracy to murder an assistant prosecutor, conspiracy to possess a firearm, and making terroristic threats, NorthJersey.com reported. He allegedly tried to get a gun in an attempt to kill Assistant Prosecutor Martin Delaney, according to the report.

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Aakash Dalal, 24 — Bergen County Prosecutor's Office