MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Police in Jackson, Tennessee arrested a security guard after religious items for Margolin Hebrew Academy were found vandalized over the weekend.
Around 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, Jackson officers were called to the Doubletree Motel at 1770 Hwy 45 Bypass about a vandalism that had occurred in one of the meeting rooms overnight. Several books, musical instruments, electronics and a Torah scroll, as well as several religious venerated items to be used in religious ceremonies belonging to the Margolin Hebrew Academy, were marked on, torn or otherwise damaged and defiled. Although the exact values of property are still being determined, the preliminary estimate put the value of the damaged property over $60,000.
The overnight security guard was developed as the suspect. The guard was an employee of Maxx Guard. Maxx Guard officials responded to the scene and are working with the investigators on this case.
24-year-old Justin Shawn Baker of Jackson was arrested and charged with vandalism between $60 and $250,000 which is a Class B felony. The crime appears to be specifically directed at the objects representing the Jewish faith. The crime was opportunistic in nature and limited to the involvement of Mr. Baker. The motive for the crime is still under investigation.
Baker's appeared in court Monday morning for arraignment, when the judge set his bond at $100,000.
