FORT LEE, NJ – A Montclair man has been arrested after investigators say he hacked into a condominium communication system and sent mass emails laced with hate speech and threats to more than 400 residents in Fort Lee.
The disturbing messages were sent overnight on August 14 to residents of the Atrium Palace condominium complex.
Officials said the emails contained explicit language targeting Jewish and African American people.
Detectives traced the hack to 23-year-old Nicholas M. Scarano of Montclair, who was taken into custody the following day.
According to prosecutors, Scarano used two electronic devices to unlawfully access the building’s online management and communication system before sending out two separate emails filled with bias-driven threats. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit and Bias Crimes Unit worked with Fort Lee Police to identify Scarano’s internet connection as the source.
Scarano has been charged with second-degree bias intimidation, third-degree terroristic threats, third-degree false public alarm, and third-degree computer criminal activity. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first court appearance in Hackensack. Prosecutor Mark Musella emphasized that the charges are accusations and Scarano is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Authorities thanked multiple police departments across Bergen and Essex counties that assisted in tracking down and arresting Scarano. The investigation remains ongoing.
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Key Points
- Montclair man charged after mass email hack targeting Fort Lee condo residents
- Emails contained hate speech against Jewish and African American people
- Suspect Nicholas Scarano faces charges including bias intimidation and computer crimes
A condo system hack turned into a hate-filled crime that ended with a Montclair man in custody.