POUGHKEEPSIE – A two-day trial and three hours of jury deliberations has resulted in the conviction of 32-year-old Jacob Bender, of Hyde Park. The jury convicted Bender of felony criminal contempt and misdemeanor counts of stalking and criminal contempt.
Prosecutors said Bender emailed the victim, a local church rector, in November 2024 and threatened her because of her church’s acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. In December, after being served with an order of protection, Bender violated the order by approaching the victim’s home, causing her to fear for her safety.
The Hyde Park Police Department investigated, with assistance from the Town of Poughkeepsie Police.
District Attorney Anthony Parisi said in a statement that Bender engaged in a “deliberate and escalating course of conduct, ignoring the authority of the court, targeting a member of the clergy, and instilling fear through repeated, threatening communications and physical proximity to her home.” Parisi called the conduct “an attack on the fundamental right of every person to feel safe in their home and to practice their faith without fear of intimidation or harassment.”
Parisi highlighted the work of specialized prosecutors, including Unit Chief Brittney Kessel and Senior ADA Victoria Roessling. He said the case underscores the importance of the office’s dedicated Hate Crimes Unit, which is supported by U.S. Department of Justice funding.
“When individuals are targeted because of who they are, what they believe, or the communities they serve, the impact extends far beyond a single victim; it strikes at the core of our shared values,” Parisi said. “Let me be clear, behavior driven by hate or intolerance will not be tolerated in Dutchess County. Everyone in this community has the right to live, worship, and serve free from fear, and this office will stand unwavering in defense of that right.”
Comments