By T. C. Mayfield, The Chicago Times
July 14, 2022
ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst man has been charged with spray-painting swastikas on the homes and vehicles of several Elmhurst residences.
Joel Jexie, 25, of the 500 block of Crockett Avenue, appeared at a bond hearing Wednesday where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $100,000. Jexie has been charged with three counts of Hate Crime, a Class 4 Felony and one count(s) of Criminal Damage to Property, a Class 4 Felony.
On July 9, 2022, the Elmhurst police received a call regarding vandalism that occurred on Oak Street. On scene, officers observed swastikas painted on two garage doors of the home as well as on a Lexus ES 350. Three days later, on July 12, 2022, Elmhurst police responded to another call regarding a swastika that was spray-painted on a VW Atlas located on Crockett Avenue. After an investigation, Elmhurst police were able to identify Jexie as a suspect in the two cases in addition to an April 2022 incident where a swastika was spray-painted on a home on Walnut Street. Jexie was taken into custody Wednesday at his home without incident.
“The allegations against Mr. Jexie are very disturbing and have been charged accordingly. Hate crimes have no place in a civilized society and the allegations against Mr. Jexie in no way represent the welcoming, good-hearted people of DuPage County. I thank the Elmhurst Police Department for their work on this case. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Rob Willis and Grace Barsanti for their efforts on this case,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.
Jexie’s is expected to appear in court on August 5, 2022,a for arraignment in front of Judge Reidy.
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