Columbus Ex-Con Sentenced for Antisemitic Threats & Vandalism

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The grim specter of antisemitism struck close to home as Douglas G. Schifer, 66, a former resident of Columbus, was today sentenced in federal court to six months behind bars, a $50,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for his role in a hate crime that terrorized his neighbors.

Schifer’s monstrous behavior reached its nadir on November 7, 2020, when he unleashed a torrent of antisemitic slurs during an outdoor gathering at his neighbors’ residence. His charges stemmed from the chilling threats and mindless vandalism that followed.

According to court documents, Schifer delivered a litany of hate-filled rhetoric, including, “all you f***ing people, it’s no wonder Hitler burned you people in ovens,” and “Jews burn, you belong in ovens.” His assault didn’t end there. He also threatened to poison the neighbors’ dog, shoot them, and torch their garage.

His actions on that day were as violent as they were vile. Schifer shouted obscenities and derogatory language, broke a window, and spat at one of his neighbors. His antisemitic tirade included references to gassing Jewish people and burning them in ovens.

The sentence was announced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers, with Kenneth L. Parker, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Cincinnati Division; and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant present to oversee this pivotal moment.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate, Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill, and Trial Attorney Cameron Bell of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Schifer’s sentence sends a clear message that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our community.