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Massachusetts Judge's Son Charged in Illinois Hate Crime

By Ephrat Livni, Esq. on March 16, 2016 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Two young men were arrested this weekend for spray painting racial slurs and the name "Trump" in a non-denominational chapel in Illinois. The Northwestern University students were in court on a bond hearing, where the judge was vocal about her feelings, according to ABC News.

"These allegations are disgusting to me," Judge Peggy Chiampas told Anthony Morales, 19, and Matthew Kafker, 18, both of whom are charged with hate crimes. For many young teens, getting chided by a judge must be scary. But Kafker was raised by one -- he is the son of the Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, reports The Boston Globe.

The Charges

So far, the younger Kafker is not having an impressive freshman year. Kafker and Morales are out on a bond of $50,000 while awaiting prosecution for hate crimes. They allegedly spray-painted homophobic, racist, and anti-Semitic slurs on the walls of the Alice Millar Chapel, the chapel organ, and the office, as well as the name of Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump.

The chapel is non-denominational, meaning it is available for general contemplation and worship. Perhaps this is why the alleged teen vandals were so inclusive in their intolerance, extending their hate to almost everyone. Northwestern President Morton Schapiro issued a statement about the graffiti, saying, "This disgusting act of hatred violates the deepest values and core commitments of our University and is an affront to us all."

The Judge's Son

Both alleged teen vandals have been suspended from school and are barred from campus for the time being, according to Northwestern University officials. There has been no word from the Kafker father on the supposed antics of his son, the college freshman.

But you can bet dad's not happy about his son making national headlines in association with a hate crime. The Boston Globe reports that Scott L. Kafker was appointed just last year to helm the state appeals court. He was praised as "an esteemed jurist [with] the ability to lead this influential court in its mission of rendering thoughtful, well-reasoned appellate decisions timely and efficiently and treating all those who come before the court fairly and impartially."

The judge's son and his co-defendant, Morales, will be back in court again today.

Accused?

If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime, do not delay. Speak to a criminal defense attorney today. Many lawyers consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case.

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