3 teens arrested in Conn. cemetery vandalism

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with vandalism at a Hartford Jewish cemetery last month.

Police Lt. Brian Foley told the Hartford Courant Monday that the youths, who are between 14 and 15 years old, are charged with the juvenile offenses of interfering with a cemetery or burial ground and criminal mischief. They will appear in court later.

Several dozen headstones were toppled at the Congregation Ados Israel Cemetery at Tower Avenue and Waverly Street last month. The damage was reported Oct. 19, but police say it likely happened over a period of time.

Foley said the boys live near the cemetery and crossed through it every day on their way to a park. He said the vandalism was first investigated as a hate crime, but authorities now believe the boys didn't have anti-Semitic intentions. The boys were identified after neighbors tipped police.

Lisa Vaeth, director of the Association of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Hartford, said the emotional damage of the "senseless" act may affect families of those whose graves were desecrated for a lifetime. She said the association also will have to consider investing in security that it cannot easily afford.