NORFOLK, Va., Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The arrest of a man charged with vandalizing synagogues in Norfolk, Va., was kept secret for more than a month to avoid tipping off other suspects, police say.
The Virginian-Pilot reported John Edward Grogan of Waynesboro, Va., was arrested July 9 for allegedly placing stickers with anti-Semitic, homophobic and racist language on synagogues in Norfolk. The incidents occurred April 18.
The synagogues, however, had been notified of the arrest.
The synagogues vandalized are Temple Israel and at least five other undisclosed locations in Ghent and on Granby Street in Norfolk.
Grogan was charged with two counts of conspiring to commit a felony, and two counts of injuries to church with the intent to instill fear or intimidation on the basis of religion and/or ethnic origin. He allegedly was involved with Volksfront, which police spokeswoman Karen Parker-Chesson labeled a white supremacist group.
Parker-Chesson said the arrest followed police inquiries and Crime Line tips. While the delay in publicizing the arrest didn't produce any further arrests, police are asking the public to come forward with any information they may have about the vandalism.
The Commonwealth's Attorney spokeswoman Amanda Howie said the suspect was in jail and his court appearance is scheduled for September.
