Suspected mosque vandal could face 18 months in prison
The man suspected of vandalizing the Islamic Center of Fort Collins on Sunday could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted of the attack.
The Larimer County District Attorney's office on Friday charged Joseph Giaquinto, 35, with felony criminal mischief and a misdemeanor bias-motivated crime related to the property damage sustained at the mosque. A bias-motivated crime is the Colorado legal term for what is more commonly referred to as a hate crime.
Giaquinto, who lives in an apartment center near the Islamic Center, was released from the Larimer County Jail on Thursday afternoon after he posted a $7,500 bond.
Investigators say early Sunday morning, Giaquinto went to the Islamic Center at 925 W. Lake St. and shattered glass doors to the prayer room, threw a Bible through the broken glass and overturned outdoor furniture. They also say he attempted to break into the building using a screwdriver. When questioned by police, Giaquinto admitted to the vandalism, according to his arrest affidavit.
Sunday's vandalism took place amid a nationwide spike in anti-Muslim incidents, including threats, attacks and vandalism. Fort Collins police records indicate that since 2011, police here have received reports of 19 bias-motivated crimes. At least eight of those involved references to people of Middle Eastern descent.
The Islamic Center raised more than $25,000 following the vandalism and is considering using it to fund increased security. Mosque leaders have said they are considering hiring Fort Collins police officers to patrol the building at times when a lot of people are there, including Friday prayer. They have also discussed contracting a security firm and upgrading their security cameras.
Giaquinto is due in court for his first appearance Tuesday. If convicted of the felony charge, he faces up to 18 months in prison.