Douglas G. Schifer, Hate Crime, Ohio 2023

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Columbus Man Sentenced for Hate Crime

A former Columbus man was sentenced to six months in prison for a hate crime that involved making antisemitic threats to his neighbors, breaking their window, and vandalizing their property.

Douglas G. Schifer, 66, of Bucyrus, Ohio, committed the offense on November 7, 2020, when he made threats to his neighbors and their guests because of their religion during an outdoor gathering at the neighbors’ residence.

Schifer’s charges stemmed from criminally interfering with the right to fair housing, a federal crime. He pleaded guilty in June to the charge and was sentenced today in federal court to six months in prison, a $50,000 fine, and one year of supervised release.

The plea documents detail that Schifer stated in part, ‘all you f***ing people, it’s no wonder Hitler burned you people in ovens,’ ‘f***ing Hitler should have gassed you,’ and ‘Jews burn, you belong in ovens.’

Schifer also shouted other antisemitic slurs, obscenities, and derogatory language about their religion at his neighbors and their guests on the night of the incident. He also broke one of their windows and spat at one of the neighbors.

‘This sentence is a reminder that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our community,’ said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the rights of all individuals and hold those who commit hate crimes accountable for their actions.’

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Columbus Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.