Yousef O. Barasneh, Conspiring to Violate Citizens' Rights, Wisconsin 2020

Grimy Times has learned that Yousef O. Barasneh, a 22-year-old from Oak Creek, Wisconsin, has been charged with a serious federal crime. On January 17, 2020, United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger announced that Barasneh was charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to violate citizens' rights to use property free from threats and intimidation, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241.

The complaint alleges that Barasneh is a member of "The Base," a neo-Nazi, racially motivated extremist group. Between September 15, 2019, and September 23, 2019, he conspired with other Base members to vandalize minority-owned property, including property used by Jewish citizens. As part of this conspiracy, Barasneh vandalized the Beth Israeli Sinai Congregation in Racine, Wisconsin, by spray-painting swastikas, the symbol for The Base, and anti-Semitic words on the exterior of the synagogue.

"The United States is committed to vigorous enforcement of civil rights statutes against individuals motivated by extremist ideologies," stated United States Attorney Krueger.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Hughes stated: "This demonstrates the FBI's vigilance in investigating individuals who attempt to dismiss and violate others' Constitutional rights. Through the great coordination and investigation of multiple national JTTFs, FBI Milwaukee was able to participate and affect our portion of the investigation"

Barasneh faces up to ten years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines if convicted of the charge. The case was investigated by the Milwaukee Federal Bureau of Investigation and Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Proctor.

A criminal complaint is only a charging document and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwi/pr/oak-creek-man-arrested-conspiracy-violate-citizens-rights-connection-racine-synagogue