Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Queens man was sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years’ probation for attempting to start fights with worshippers outside of a Cedarhurst Synagogue and making antisemitic remarks toward them, and later threatening and spitting in the face of another victim.
Alvin Tirado, 38, of Far Rockaway, pleaded guilty before Judge Anthony Paradiso on November 25, 2024, to Aggravated Harassment PL 240.30(3) (an A misdemeanor), a subsection specifically designed to address hate crimes.
The defendant was sentenced yesterday to 60 days in jail with three years’ probation.
“Hate-fueled behavior and violence have no place in Nassau County. Every resident should feel safe, especially near places of worship and community,” said DA Donnelly. “This defendant’s vile actions – targeting individuals with antisemitic remarks and harassing them during one of Judaism’s holiest periods of the year – are unacceptable. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting members of the Jewish community from harm.”
DA Donnelly said that, according to the charges, on October 4, 2024, at around 1:20 p.m., the defendant was driving his vehicle near the intersection of Lincoln Street and Oakland Avenue in Cedarhurst when he stopped, got out of his vehicle, and got into a verbal argument with a group of people that had recently left Shaare Emunah, Sephardic Congregation of The Five Towns.
The defendant became aggressive, clenching his fists and attempted to fight multiple people while screaming antisemitic remarks, including “the Jews are taking over” and “I know this building; I’m going to run all the children over.”
Tirado then drove away, nearly hitting a man and his children.
About 20 minutes later, at 1:40 p.m., the defendant stopped his car in Lawrence, near the intersection of Barrett Road and Washington Avenue, exited his vehicle, and approached another victim.
The defendant shoved the victim, exclaiming remarks such as “I am going to knock you out” and “I am going to kill you.” He then spat in the victim’s face.
Tirado was arrested on October 4, 2024, in Far Rockaway by members of the Nassau County Police Department. Upon his arrest, the defendant became physically aggressive, driving his shoulder into the arresting officer’s ribs.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Taglienti of the County Court Trial Bureau under the supervision of Hate Crimes Unit Chief Kirk Sendlein and Narcotics, Firearms and Gangs Bureau Chief Nicholas Mauro and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan. The defendant is represented by Daniel Fazio, Esq.