Newtown Police made an arrest last week, within hours of vandalism to an Israeli flag posted on private property in Sandy Hook.

Local police had responded to the area of Church Hill and Walnut Tree Hill roads around 9 am Thursday, December 7, after being alerted by a witness that an Israeli flag had been cut and left on the ground there. A homeowner near that location had installed a white post with the Israeli flag, an American flag, and a dove of peace on their property a few weeks earlier.

Upon arrival, officers located the flag on the ground and obtained evidence including a vehicle description and registration that tied the incident to a local resident.

Sarah Stofko, 28, of Sandy Hook, turned themselves in to Newtown Police after being contacted by officers, according to the police report. Stofko was placed under arrest on one count of Criminal Mischief-Third Degree, a Class B misdemeanor; and one count of Intimidation Based on Bigotry or Bias-Third Degree, a Class E felony.

The first charge carries a six-month maximum jail penalty and up to $1,000 in fines. The second carries a penalty of up to three years in prison, a minimum fine of $1,000 and no more than $3,500, or both.

In Connecticut, the second charge is also considered a hate crime.

Newtown PD Chief David Kullgren issued a statement soon after the arrest.

Addressing Newtown’s residents, he called the vandalism “an isolated incident” and offered his thanks to “the prompt action of a vigilant passerby who reported the incident immediately.”

He also offered “gratitude for this timely and detailed report, which played a crucial role in the quick identification and arrest of the perpetrator.”

Kullgren said “the dedicated men and women of the Newtown Police Department stand united with you, committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of our community. We unequivocally reject any criminal activities that may instill fear or distress among our residents.”

‘Right To Express Views & Preferences’

In an email blast last Saturday afternoon, First Selectman A. Jeffrey Capeci also addressed the incident, calling it a “Bias Crime.” He too mentioned those who were able to provide police officers “with enough information to make an arrest.

“I speak for the Town by strongly condemning this action, anti-Semitism in any form, the destruction of property and attempt to silence the protected free speech of individuals,” Capeci added. “The Jewish members of Newtown are a valued and important segment of our community. Many of our most notable leaders have been Jewish.

“For example, our former State Representative Julia Wasserman narrowly eluded the Nazis’ murderous 1938 Kristallnacht before coming to Connecticut and serving with distinction. We would not be the town we are today without the contributions of our Jewish residents and I am profoundly grateful for each of them.

“Newtown is a community that welcomes people, regardless of religion or race. It is how we respond to these instances that define us as a community, not the actions of any one individual.

“By flying a flag or having a sign on one’s private property we exercise free speech protected by the first amendment. Be it an American, Ukrainian or an Israeli flag, a lawn sign that is political or the school of choice for a child’s higher education — the list is long. As Americans, we have the right to express our views and preferences, but we do not have the right to silence or intimidate others,” the statement continued.

Capeci noted a recent public forum co-hosted by Newtown PD and the Department of Justice, among others, regarding hate crimes. Attendees were encouraged to report instances of bias including anti-Semitic activity.

“Even if this information is inactionable, it can inform future investigations,” Capeci said. “In this case our police were able to arrest a suspect based upon eyewitness testimony.”

Strong Condemnation

State Representative Mitch Bolinsky also offered his thoughts on the incident and subsequent arrest.

Bolinsky contacted The Newtown Bee this week to say he “strongly” condemned “any acts of bias, whether anti-Semitic or any marginalized group. The recent incident in Newtown, where a resident’s personal property, including their Israeli flag was targeted, is an affront to the principles of tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence. Vandalism based on religious or ethnic background not only violates the sanctity of personal space but also undermines the very fabric of our diverse Newtown community.

“Property vandalism fueled by anti-Semitism has no place in our community, and such actions stand in stark contradiction to the values of equality, and understanding that we should collectively uphold,” the state representative said.

A member of the Jewish Caucus at the Capitol, Bolinsky said he is “keenly aware of the challenges faced by people across the state. Regrettably, instances where we fail to sufficiently condemn actions crossing the line from political commentary into blatant anti-Semitism, and even calls for genocide, have become all too frequent.

“It is important for individuals, communities, and leaders to unite against anti-Semitism and actively promote understanding, tolerance, and acceptance. Whether in street protests or within the realms of academia, the response to anti-Semitism has been disheartening.

“As a nation and a community, it is imperative that we reassert the significance of our commitment to ‘Never Again’ when reflecting on the Holocaust. We must stand firm against any form of discrimination, hatred, or violence, and actively work towards building a community that embraces the richness of our differences and that upholds the principles of inclusivity, empathy, and shared humanity,” he concluded.

Attorney Comment

Stofko’s attorney also contacted The Newtown Bee, offering a comment on behalf of their client.

“My client is not anti-Semitic,” Attorney Gene Zingaro said December 13. “I cannot admit or deny what she’s accused of doing right now, because the case is still pending in Danbury Court.

“My client intends on pleading not guilty. My client is charged with a serious felony. My client, myself, and their family are obviously taking these charges very seriously,” Zingaro added.

By last Saturday afternoon, a new sign had been added to the post at the corner of Walnut Tree and Church Hill roads. Black lettering on a white background proclaimed In God We Trust.

By Monday morning, the American flag and the sign were both gone. By Tuesday, both had again been replaced. The small strip of the Israeli flag left on its pole after being cut down last week was still in place.

Stofko was released from police custody without bond. They have a December 21 court date scheduled at Danbury Superior Court.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.