MILWAUKEE — A 22-year-old Oak Creek man accused of being a part of the neo-Nazi group 'The Base' has been charged with vandalizing a local synagogue.
Yousef O. Barasneh has been charged with "conspiring to violate citizens' rights to use property free from threats and intimidation," according to a news release. The Department of Justice says he's accused of vandalizing the Beth Israel Sinai Congregation in Racine last fall with spray-painted swastikas, anti-Semitic words, as well as the symbol for 'The Base,' the extremist group Barasneh is accused of being a member of.
“The United States is committed to vigorous enforcement of civil rights statutes against individuals motivated by extremist ideologies,” stated United States Attorney Krueger.
If convicted, Barasneh faces up to ten years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
Several other members of 'The Base' were also arrested around the United States on Thursday and Friday.
