Woburn Woman Accused Of Leaving Swastikas In Stoneham Attorney's Yard

WOBURN, MA — A Woburn woman faces up to 10 years in jail after being accused of leaving paper swastikas and antisemitic messages in a Stoneham family's yard last November, NBC 10 Boston reports

Kathleen Collins is charged with a civil rights violation and two counts of intimidating a witness, which is a felony, in connection with the incident, according to a criminal complaint filed in Woburn District Court this month.

NBC 10 Boston reported that Collins is due to appear in court next month and that her alleged crimes could be punished with up to 10 years in state prison.

According to reports, Stoneham police began an investigation last fall after five pieces of purple paper cut into swastikas and containing antisemitic messages were found outside a Jewish family's home. A melted candle also was discovered at the scene.

Collins became a suspect in the case after police said they believe she targeted a woman living in the home who was an attorney representing Collins' ex-boyfriend in a custody dispute, according to the criminal complaint.

Court documents also suggested that police discovered that Collins had previously stated that the attorney had "got it coming to her." Additionally, according to the complaint, Collins had urged her ex-boyfriend not to cooperate in the investigation, which led to the intimidation charges.

Collins has denied the charges, according to NBC 10 Boston.

In a statement, Peggy Shukur, New England interim regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said she was encouraged that the incident had reached the criminal justice system.

"We appreciate the work that goes into bringing charges into a situation like this," Shukur said. "Incidents of antisemitism don't always make it to the justice system, either because the incident does not meet the threshold of a crime, or it is simply too difficult for victims to have to relive a traumatizing situation."

Shukur continued: "We hope justice in this case ultimately reflects how hateful this incident was and will restore a sense of safety for the victims and for the Stoneham community."