Suspected vandal of Islamic Center federally charged
A Murfreesboro man has been indicted in connection with the July vandalism at Murfreesboro’s Islamic Center.
Charles Dwight Stout III was charged with obstruction of justice Wednesday by a federal grand jury, a release from acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith stated.
“The tragic events in Charlottesville, Va., remind us of the devastating impact that acts of hate have on our communities and our neighbors,” Smith said. “When we are confronted with acts of hate it is incumbent upon every American to speak loudly and clearly that we will not tolerate such actions in America. Our reaction to such acts of hate speaks to who we are as individuals and as a society. Where those actions constitute federal crimes it is incumbent on federal authorities to vigorously investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of such heinous acts.”
Stout, 19, is charged in the July 10 incident where two vandals spray-painted profane references to Allah and placed bacon around the entrances.
“Both men wore masks during the crime to conceal their identities, including a World War II-era Nazi gas mask,” the release stated. “Stout also used a cell phone to take photos during the vandalism.”
The vandalism was discovered early the following morning when members arrived for morning prayer. They immediately reported it to law enforcement, the release states.
“We knew justice would be served and we’re happy the vandals will be arrested,” said Abdou Kattih, director of Murfreesboro Muslim Youth and a member of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. “It’s a double celebration for us on our holiday [Eid al-Adha] and we want to thank the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department and everybody that made this possible.”
A community vigil and cleanup effort was held later that week with hundreds of attendees.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our law enforcement personnel for their great and diligent work,” said Dr. Saleh M. Sbenaty, Middle Tennessee State University professor and Islamic Center of Murfreesboro spokesman.
According to the release, Stout destroyed the clothing he wore during the vandalism and deleted the cellphone photographs. The indictment says the obstruction of justice charge stems from the deletion of the photographic evidence.
“Our office will utilize all available means to protect the freedom to practice one’s religion without fear, intimidation or harassment.” Smith said.
“We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who, because of hate and ignorance, seek to interfere with that freedom. In desecrating this house of worship, the defendant sought to undermine the religious freedoms of members of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, the very freedoms that this country was founded upon.”
Stout surrendered to U.S. Marshals on Friday and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
“Racism and hate have no place and cannot be tolerated in our beautiful city, great county, state and country,” Sbenaty said. “This great news comes on such a special Labor Day holiday weekend that also coincides with Eid al-Adha, ‘The Feast of Sacrifice.’”
Eid al-Adha is the second of two worldwide Muslim holidays celebrated each year. It honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as an act of obedience to God’s command.
The other holiday is Eid al-Fitr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and reflection.
“We would like to thank also all of those wonderful individuals and organizations who stood with us during our difficult time and those who came to our center to show their support,” Sbenaty said.