Stephen Orback, Threatening a Maryland Synagogue, Maryland 2019

State: Federal
Category: Violent Crime
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/superseding-indictment-charges-man-making-threats-against-maryland-synagogue" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

Baltimore, MD – A chilling case of hate-fueled threats has shaken the community of Owings Mills, Maryland. Stephen Orback, 65, has been charged with making good on his promise to attack a Baltimore-area synagogue.

According to the superseding indictment, Orback made numerous telephone calls to an employee of a synagogue in Owings Mills between May 12 and July 21, 2019. The threats were stark and unambiguous: Orback vowed to kill members of the synagogue’s congregation using firearms, explosives, and arson.

The superseding indictment supersedes a previous indictment handed down by the grand jury on August 15, 2019, which charged Orback with only making interstate-threats. The upgraded charges now include intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs through the threatened use of force.

Orback’s alleged crimes are a stark reminder of the dangers of hate-fueled violence. The FBI’s Baltimore Field Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham of the District of Maryland and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Zachary Dembo.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. Orback is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting freedom of religion and combating hate crimes. For more information about the resources available to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

The people of Maryland and the nation will be watching as this case unfolds. One thing is clear: hate has no place in our society, and those who perpetrate such crimes will be held accountable.

Related Federal Cases