Bed-Stuy Man Accused Of Writing 'Die Jew Rats' Indicted: DA

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN -- Christine Quinn's former intern, who stands accused of writing "Die Jew Rats" in a Prospect Heights synagogue and set a fire in a Williamsburg yeshiva, was indicted on hate crime charges Wednesday, prosecutors said.

James Polite, 26, was named in a 30-count indictment that includes charges of arson and burglary for his alleged part in a spate of anti-Semitic crimes to hit Brooklyn earlier this fall, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office.

“These alleged bias-motivated crimes are disheartening and undermine the values that we hold dear in our community," Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement. "In Brooklyn, people of all faiths, cultures, ethnicities, and races should feel safe."

Polite stands accused of breaking into the Union Temple at 17 Eastern Parkway on Nov. 1 at about 6 p.m., hours before Broad City star Ilana Glazer was expected to host a political event, said prosecutors.

The following day, at about 2:40 a.m., Polite allegedly snuck into a yeshiva at 35 Hewes St. where he set a fire in a coat room, said prosecutors.

Police arrested Polite on Nov. 2 after a witness spotted him setting a trash can on fire near 134 Ross St, in Williamsburg, prosecutors said.

Former city council speaker Christine Quinn, who once mentored Polite and helped earn him a place at Brandeis University, released a statement after his arrest noting he suffered from mental health issues.

"The actions he is accused of break my heart," Quinn said. "And while he has experienced hardship that most people can't ever imagine, his actions are inexcusable."

Polite, of Bedford Stuyvesant, was held without bail and is expected to return to court on Feb. 6, prosecutors said.

The Bed-Stuy man faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count, said prosecutors.

Photo courtesy of the NYPD