Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that Oscar Islas Sanchez, 28 years old from Mount Vernon, was arraigned yesterday on a 4-count indictment charging him with the following:
• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime (C felony)
• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (D felony)
• Aggravated Harassment in the First Degree (E felony)
• Making Graffiti (A Misdemeanor)
Islas Sanchez’s charges stem from a March 18, 2026 incident where, using a knife, he allegedly etched a swastika into the glass inside an elevator at the Mount Vernon East Train Station causing more than $1500 in damage. Islas Sanchez was arraigned by Judge Melissa A. Loehr. He was released on his own recognizance as the charged offenses are non-qualifying offenses under New York State’s bail laws.
DA Cacace said: “The recent rise in antisemitism across our nation is alarming and unacceptable. This indictment should serve as notice that this despicable behavior will not be tolerated in Westchester in any way, shape, or form. Combatting hate crimes will always be a top priority for our office” This incident was investigated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by ADA Luis Felix of the Hate Crimes Bureau.
