Stalker Gets Prison In Hate Crime Against Episcopal Rector

HYDE PARK, NY — A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced for stalking and harassing a church leader.

Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi announced on Monday that 32-year-old Jacob Bender was sentenced to one-and-one-third to four years in prison after a jury trial that ended on April 13. He was convicted of felony first-degree criminal contempt; misdemeanor second-degree criminal contempt; and misdemeanor fourth-degree stalking as a hate crime.

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"Today's sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant's deliberate and escalating pattern of conduct, which demonstrated a complete disregard for the authority of the court, the safety of the victim, and the community," DA Parisi said. "This case highlights exactly why our Office established a dedicated Hate Crimes Unit with support from the United States Department of Justice. When individuals are targeted because of their identity, their beliefs, or the communities they represent, the harm reaches well beyond the immediate victim, it threatens the sense of safety, dignity, and mutual respect that holds communities together."

"Conduct fueled by hate, bias, or intolerance has no place in Dutchess County," Parisi added. "Every resident deserves the ability to live, worship, work, and serve others without fear of intimidation or harassment, and this Office will remain steadfast in protecting those fundamental rights."

The jury found that on Dec. 6, 2024, Bender violated an order of protection and placed church rector Meredith Sanderson in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by sending an email that she had no authority to preach the gospel, and that she and her flock would burn in hell.

In addition, the jury concluded that the Hyde Park man violated an order of protection on Dec. 11, 2024, by walking by her residence.

The jury also found that Bender engaged in a "course of conduct predicated on his dissatisfaction with her church's acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community" when, between Nov. 10, 2024 and Nov. 13, 2024, he emailed the rector at St. James Episcopal Church using the subject line "repent," causing her to reasonably fear harm to her physical health, safety or property. Bender's grandparents are congregants of the church.

The Town of Hyde Police Department was in charge of the investigation with the assistance of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Unit Chief Brittney Kessel and Senior Assistant DA Victoria Roessling.