A weekend reign of vandalism ended with the arrests of men who police believe are tied to a hate group.
Police announced the arrests of 20-year-old John Rocissano, of Manhasset, and 17-year-old Matthew Felicetti, of Floral Park, Sunday. They face several charges including aggravated harassment and criminal mischief. A neo-Nazi symbol known as the "life rune" led investigators to the men."I recognized the symbol to be part of a group called National Alliance, and there was an individual in the area who through our past investigations we're aware that he was involved in the group," said Det. Sgt. Gary Shapiro.
Police said the men worked together at a Staples office supply store in Manhasset.
The duo is blamed for swastikas spray-painted on the walls of Munsey Park Elementary School, messages sprayed on a bus at Roslyn High School and a home in Roslyn Estates. Anti-Semitic messages were also found at the Reconstructionist Synagogue in Plandome.
Rabbi Lee Friedlander said while synagogue members quickly painted over the hate-filled messages, the pain lingers.
"I hope that I can understand what would make someone do something like this," Friedlander said.