Two Pennsylvania men are facing federal charges for vandalizing Chabad of Squirrel Hill, a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Per the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Mohamad Hamad and Talya Lubit spray-painted "Jews 4 Palestine" on the synagogue's exterior wall with an inverted triangle, an image associated with the Hamas terrorist group. The FBI's investigation reveals that the accused also spray-painted a similar message on the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh's signage.

Are you or a loved one facing federal criminal charges in Pennsylvania? If so, one of the first things you should do is speak to a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney with years of experience in federal criminal trials. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team can help you navigate the complexities of federal criminal investigations. Call us at 888-535-3686 or send us a message online.

Digital Evidence Can Lead to New Charges

Hamad and Lubit are accused of damaging religious property, which includes a synagogue and a nonprofit organization serving the Jewish community. However, the accused's charges also include conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States after search warrants revealed Hamad refers to himself as a Hamas operative. Messages on their phones detailed their plans to target Jewish organizations in the weeks preceding the vandalism, and they exchanged messages with another person discussing how to build explosives.

We use our phones for almost everything in our daily lives. The digital age provides convenience, but it also leaves you vulnerable to self-incrimination. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is crucial if incriminating evidence is on your devices when facing federal charges.

When Does Vandalism Become a Federal Crime?

Spray-painting a wall is typically classified as vandalism or criminal mischief charges in Pennsylvania. Under Pennsylvania law, vandalism is any intentional action that results in physical harm to property or diminishes its value. Institutional vandalism encompasses property crimes against organizations such as houses of worship, community groups, schools, cemeteries, and government buildings.

Prosecution at the federal level may result from institutional vandalism if it is connected to federal offenses, such as conspiracy to commit terrorism. The federal penal system frequently entails harsher consequences than state-level criminal offenses for institutional vandalism. This includes the possibility of long prison sentences in addition to heavy fines: Hamad and Lubit face the possibility of two years in federal prison, a $200,000 fine, or both.

Federal criminal charges are a serious matter. You need an experienced federal criminal defense attorney on your side if you or a loved one is facing federal prosecution for vandalism. Contact the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or complete our online intake form to speak to one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.