Pittsburgh Review

Two individuals from the Pittsburgh area have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to conspiracy and vandalism of a religious building, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan.

The indictment names Mohamad Hamad, 23, from Coraopolis, and Talya A. Lubit, 24, from Pittsburgh as co-conspirators. They were previously charged and arrested based on a criminal complaint.

The indictment alleges that between July 2024 and July 29, 2024, Hamad and Lubit conspired to commit a civil rights violation by damaging religious property. The charges specify defacement of the Chabad of Squirrel Hill synagogue due to the racial and ethnic identity of its Jewish community members.

The law allows for a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine up to $200,000. Sentencing will consider the severity of the offenses and any prior criminal records.

Both defendants were released on $50,000 unsecured bonds with conditions including home detention and computer monitoring. They are prohibited from using encrypted messaging apps or accessing extremist material without permission from their probation officer. Extremist material includes content supporting Foreign Terrorist Organizations like Hamas.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is handling the prosecution. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.