New Jersey resident receives 7-year sentence for arson and antisemitic vandalism incidents

A man from New Jersey, Ron Carr, has been given a seven-year prison sentence for his involvement in an arson incident and defacing properties with antisemitic graffiti. Authorities in Ocean County stated that Carr, aged 35 and from Manchester Township, received the sentence after pleading guilty to charges of arson, bias intimidation, and criminal mischief. The terms of his sentence, which include seven years, five years, and 18 months, are to be served concurrently.

According to a news release from prosecutors, in June 2023, township police responded to reports of vandalism in the Pine Lake Park area where 14 homes had been spray-painted with graffiti containing “Nazi symbolism.” The following day, a fire occurred that destroyed one home and caused damage to three others.

Carr was implicated in both incidents and reportedly made several antisemitic comments to investigators during questioning, as detailed in a charging document. He allegedly told the police that he believed he was “saving the neighborhood” and that he thought the property he set ablaze would be repurposed as a school or a “prayerland.”

In response to the charges, defense attorney Shane Paugh expressed his wish for Carr to receive the necessary support and assistance. The Asbury Park Press mentions that these incidents took place against a backdrop of legal disputes concerning the establishment of synagogues and Orthodox Jewish schools in Ocean County, where Orthodox communities are seeing rapid growth.