An Antioch man who made threats to national Jewish organizations and members of a Lindenhurst synagogue has been charged with hate crimes, Antioch police said.
Christopher Williams, 33, was taken into custody Friday by police after an investigation by local and federal authorities. He remained in the Lake County jail Tuesday, where he is being held in lieu of $700,000 bail.
Police said they launched an investigation after Williams made threats against national Jewish organizations. He then made, “repeated direct threats of violence” to members of the Sanctuary Messianic Synagogue in Lindenhurst, police said.
Lake County prosecutors last week authorized felony hate crime and harassment charges against Williams, who was taken into custody near his residence in the Antioch Clublands subdivision.
He is scheduled to be back in court on May 17 for a preliminary hearing, according to court records.
“This type of discrimination and threats of violent behavior will not be tolerated in our community where we foster the core values of respect and inclusivity,” Police Chief Geoff Guttschow said in a statement. “I would like to personally thank our federal partners, Lake County State’s Attorney, and my officers for their dedication to the safety of our Lake County residents.”
