Wheeling man accused of painting swastikas on church in Elmhurst

A Wheeling man has been charged with a hate crime and vandalism for allegedly spray-painting swastikas on a church in Elmhurst last Friday, authorities said.

Josef Stumpfoll, 35, was in bond court on Sunday.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean said that on December 30 at around midnight, Stumpfoll painted seven swastikas on the windows of Pathway Community Church in Elmhurst. Police said that Stumpfoll had previously been a member of the church.

"It is alleged Mr. Stumpfoll was a prior member and specifically targeted this church," McLean said in a statement.

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Stumpfoll was arrested at his home in Wheeling and charged with a felony hate crime and felony institutional vandalism.

A judge on Sunday set Stumpfoll’s bail at $100,000. It was not immediately clear if he has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Stumpfoll is next due in court for his arraignment on Jan. 30 in Wheaton, The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reported.