PATERSON, NJ – A Passaic County man has been charged with bias intimidation after vandalizing the Dr. Hani Awadallah public school in Paterson, NJ, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. Mohamad Bekheet, 32, of Clifton, allegedly smeared suspected feces on a sign at the elementary school in the early morning hours of April 10, 2023, to cover up the last five letters of Dr. Awadallah’s name. Bekheet is also charged with criminal mischief and harassment.
The Division of Criminal Justice Bias Crimes Unit, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and Paterson Police Department conducted an investigation into the incident, leading to Bekheet being charged by complaint-summons.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for bias crimes in order to prevent fear and distrust from spreading through communities.
“As bias and hate continue to rise in New Jersey, we must be vigilant in addressing these crimes immediately to send a clear message that they will not be tolerated in any capacity,” he said.