West Orange, NJ – The Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit Monday alleging protesters used threats and violence against congregants at Congregation Ohr Torah during a November protest that disrupted a memorial service.

The complaint, lodged in the District of New Jersey, says defendants intended to interfere with the synagogue community’s right to worship under the FACE Act.

Key Points

• Lawsuit alleges threats, intimidation and violence at a West Orange synagogue protest.
• DoJ seeks an injunction blocking future FACE Act violations statewide.
• Officials say allegations are civil; defendants are presumed not liable unless proven.

Civil suit targets alleged threats and intimidation

Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, “No American should be harassed, targeted, or discriminated against for peacefully practicing their religion,” underscoring the filing in a statement Monday.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon added that the Civil Rights Division will “vigorously enforce” the right to worship without fear.

Injunction sought to protect worshipers

The suit seeks court-ordered relief preventing the defendants from using force, threats of force, or obstruction at synagogues across New Jersey.

The FACE Act, enacted in 1994, prohibits conduct that intentionally injures, intimidates, or interferes with people seeking or providing services or worship at houses of faith.

DoJ said the case is being handled by the Civil Rights Division and remains a civil action at this stage.

A federal judge will now decide whether the protest crossed the legal line from speech to intimidation.

Indictment handed down in brazen NJ home invasion auto theft

Trenton, NJ – Four men have been indicted on a slate of charges connected to a violent home invasion and car theft in Fair Lawn that left a homeowner injured and two luxury vehicles stolen, state officials announced Monday.

Daniel Chipelo, 21, of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania; Kasib Higgs, 20, of Old Bridge; John Duncan, 20, of Kearny; and Jason Cathcart, 22, of Kearny, were indicted by a state grand jury on September 17. The charges include conspiracy, first-degree home invasion burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, theft of property, aggravated assault, and the use of a juvenile to commit a crime.

Prosecutors said the crime took place at about 4:28 a.m. on March 1, when the homeowners were asleep and awoke to the sound of their front door being forced open. The suspects allegedly stole a black 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a black 2023 BMW X5, together valued at more than $75,000, while also taking items from inside the home and vehicles.

One homeowner attempted to block the suspects’ escape and was nearly struck by the stolen vehicles. He dove out of the way but suffered cuts to his knees and legs.

Investigators from the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force linked the defendants to the crime through surveillance, clothing, and cellphone data. Authorities also allege that all four employed a juvenile in carrying out the theft, with Cathcart accused of driving one of the stolen cars.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor emphasized that the case highlights the dangers of escalating auto theft crimes. Officials said the stolen vehicles could have been used for additional crimes or fraudulent insurance claims.

The defendants face decades in prison if convicted. First-degree charges carry 10 to 20 years, second-degree five to 10 years, and third-degree up to five years.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Jana Robinson under the supervision of the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.

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Key Points

• Four men indicted in Fair Lawn home invasion and theft of two luxury vehicles worth $75,000
• A homeowner was injured while trying to stop the suspects from fleeing
• Defendants face up to 20 years in prison on first-degree charges if convicted