Jackson, NJ – The Jackson Township Police Department announced Friday that detectives are actively investigating two separate incidents being treated as bias crimes, including repeated vandalism at a Jewish faith-based organization and a burglary that left a private school covered in antisemitic and anti-African American messages.
Graffiti found on a chalkboard in the school came just days after the sale between the Jackson School District and Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) was finalized.
BMG finalized the $40 million purchase of the former Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Jackson, New Jersey, on July 29th. The vandalism and burglary at the school property occurred on Thursday, July 30th.
According to a statement from the office of Police Chief Mary Nelson, the first investigation centers on three separate acts of criminal mischief at the Chai Lifeline facility on County Line Road. Investigators said unknown suspect or suspects intentionally damaged windows at the facility on multiple occasions.
Repeated vandalism under investigation
Because the incidents repeatedly targeted a Jewish faith-based organization, authorities said they are investigating the vandalism as bias crimes in addition to criminal mischief.
“The Jackson Township Police Department condemns these hateful acts in the strongest possible terms,” the department said. “There is no place in our community for crimes motivated by hatred, prejudice, or intolerance.”
Police said the acts have affected not only the direct victims but have also created fear throughout the broader community.
Suspects identified in school break-in
The second investigation involves a burglary, theft, criminal mischief, and bias crime at the BMG facility on South Hope Chapel Road.
According to police, seven individuals unlawfully entered the building, caused extensive damage, and wrote antisemitic and anti-African American messages on classroom blackboards and other areas of the school. Based on the evidence collected and the nature of the graffiti, investigators said the case is being prosecuted as a bias crime along with the underlying criminal offenses.
Authorities confirmed that suspects have been identified in connection with the South Hope Chapel Road incident but declined to release additional information because the investigation remains active.
“Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law, including all applicable bias crime charges where supported by the evidence,” the department said.
Increased patrols across township
Police said patrols have been increased around sensitive locations and areas of concern throughout Jackson Township as a precaution and to reassure residents.
“Our goal is to ensure that every resident, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or background, feels safe to live, worship, learn, and practice their beliefs without fear of intimidation or violence,” the statement said.
The department encouraged anyone with information about either investigation to contact the Jackson Township Police Department and urged residents to report suspicious activity immediately.
Jackson Township Police Department Statement Regarding Recent Bias Incidents
The Jackson Township Police Department is actively investigating two separate incidents that are being treated as bias crimes. The first investigation involves three separate incidents of criminal mischief at the Chai Lifeline facility located on County Line Road. During these incidents, windows at the facility were intentionally damaged by unknown actor(s). Due to the repeated nature of these offenses targeting a Jewish faith-based organization, these incidents are being investigated as bias crimes.
The second investigation involves the recent burglary, theft, criminal mischief, and bias crime that occurred at the BMG facility on South Hope Chapel Road. During that incident, seven individuals unlawfully entered the building, caused extensive damage, and wrote antisemitic and anti-African American messages on classroom blackboards and other areas within the school. Based on the nature of the writings and evidence gathered during the investigation, this incident is also being investigated and prosecuted as a bias crime in addition to the underlying criminal offenses.
The Jackson Township Police Department condemns these hateful acts in the strongest possible terms. There is no place in our community for crimes motivated by hatred, prejudice, or intolerance. These acts not only impact the direct victims but also create fear throughout the community.
Suspects have been identified in connection with the South Hope Chapel Road incident. As this remains an active criminal investigation, the legal process must be allowed to proceed, and no further information regarding those individuals will be released at this time. Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law, including all applicable bias crime charges where supported by the evidence.
To further enhance public safety and reassure our residents, the Jackson Township Police Department has increased patrols in areas of concern and around sensitive locations throughout the township. Our goal is to ensure that every resident, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or background, feels safe to live, worship, learn, and practice their beliefs without fear of intimidation or violence.
The Jackson Township Police Department remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all members of our community and encourages anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the Jackson Township Police Department.
We also encourage residents to report any suspicious activity immediately so that appropriate action can be taken. We stand united with our community against hate, bias, and discrimination in all forms.
All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Chief Mary Nelson #255
Bias crimes carry enhanced penalties under New Jersey law because they are alleged to target victims based on protected characteristics such as religion or race. Law enforcement agencies say investigating and prosecuting these offenses is intended to protect vulnerable communities and deter crimes motivated by hatred or prejudice.
