MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A man arrested in connection with a possible hate crime at a Miami Beach synagogue has been transferred to a hospital for psychiatric treatment.
Maximo de la Cruz-DeJesus, 43, was taken into custody Tuesday night after police said he drew various symbols on a sign outside Temple Emanu-El, including a swastika, the letters "KKK" and the number 33.
He was charged with one count of criminal mischief.
Cruz-DeJesus appeared in bond court Wednesday, where his bond was set at $5,000. He was then transferred to Mercy Hospital for extensive treatment.
The prosecutor in the case told the court that Cruz-DeJesus suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
A stay-away order was also issued for Cruz-DeJesus, which means he cannot go near the synagogue or have contact with anyone from the synagogue once he is released.