One of the mysteries surrounding last month’s vandalism at Morristown’s Episcopal Church of the Redeemer is how, exactly, did someone snap a high-density urethane welcome sign in two?
Morristown police think they know, and maybe New York Jets scouts should take notice.
Klenti Allushi, 22, of Clifton “recklessly or negligently” caused $15,000 of damage “specifically by running through the front lawn sign of the church,” according to the summons charging him with third-degree criminal mischief.
Redeemer’s rector, the Rev. Cynthia Black, has said a sign vendor advised her “it would take a lot of force” to split the dense material; merely tripping or falling against the sign would not be enough.
Allushi surrendered to police earlier this week, after authorities posted surveillance photos of individuals suspected of damaging signs along South Street early on May 20, 2023.
He admitted to being one of the pictured suspects, Morristown Detective Robert Edwards stated in a probable cause affidavit.
Edwards said Allushi also “admitted to damaging a sign that night in the area of South St.”
At about 1:26 that morning, on a surveillance video from South Street, “a male is observed to be running away from the sign and a loud noise can be heard consistent with the sign breaking,” the detective reports in his sworn statement.
The “All Are Welcome” sign — welcoming gay and straight and transgender people, and people of all races and political persuasions–was broken hours after Redeemer erected flags in Gay Pride rainbow colors, for the funeral of a lesbian parishioner.
Authorities explored whether this was a bias crime, which would bring additional penalties upon conviction.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office decided the damage was not motivated by an intent to intimidate, a finding challenged by at least one clergy member at a “Witness for Love” rally on the Redeemer lawn on Thursday.
Allushi is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
Penalties for third-degree criminal mischief “can include a felony charge on the defendant’s criminal record, a fine of up to $15,000, restitution payments to the property owner, community service, and between three and five years in New Jersey State Prison,” according to a criminal defense firm.
