REGION : 2 Teen-Agers Plead Guilty to Hate Crime
Two teen-agers whom authorities say are members of a racist skinhead gang have pleaded guilty to vandalizing a Jewish cemetery in Norwalk.
The pair were involved in a destructive spree Dec. 21 that left 39 of the 200 tombstones at the Chevra Kadisha Mortuary on Curtis & King Road in piles of marble and granite rubble. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies estimated damage at $50,000.
Ian Edward Clasby, 18, pleaded guilty in Downey Municipal Court to destroying cemetery property and committing a hate crime, both felonies. Prosecutors said they expect him to receive a two-year term when sentenced Feb. 9.
Clasby’s 16-year-old accomplice confessed to similar charges last week in Los Padrinos Juvenile Court in Downey and will serve nine to 12 months in a youth camp for juvenile offenders, said James Hickey, a deputy district attorney.
The younger boy was caught as he attempted to leave the cemetery. Clasby was arrested about a week later. Sheriff’s deputies believe the pair used a crowbar to pry loose some grave stones. Other stones were pushed over.
Clasby and the boy are members of a Norwalk gang of skinheads, said detective Richard Hiles of the Norwalk sheriff’s station.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
