Dekalb Girl Made Up Attack Story
Source: The Atlanta Journal Constitution, http://www.accessatlanta.com, October 27th 2000
DeKalb Girl Made Up Attack Story
Paul Donsky – Staff
A 15-year-old girl who told police she was attacked Tuesday morning by a swastika-tattooed man outside an all-girls Jewish high school made up her story.
During an interview with DeKalb County police on Wednesday, the teenager — a student at Temima High School on LaVista Road — admitted that she had fabricated the attack, according to a police statement. She also told investigators that she spray-painted a swastika on concrete in front of the school doors.
The student gave “some reasons” for her actions, but that information is not being released, said police spokeswoman Mikki Jones.
“It is a sensitive case, and we are trying to be cautious with it,” Jones said.
Jay Kaiman, Southeast director for the Anti-Defamation League, who earlier in the week had called the incident a “hate crime,” expressed a mixed reaction to the news.
“We were obviously shocked at this development but relieved that an assailant is not loose in the community,” he said.
The tight-knit Jewish community surrounding the school and a nearby Orthodox synagogue, Congregation Beth Jacob, is focusing its attention on the needs of the student.
“We are all greatly saddened by the recent incident at our school and concerned for the well-being of one of our students,” Temima Principal Miriam Feldman said in a written statement.
“We are very compassionate toward the student and (her) family,” said Arnold Schneider, president of Congregation Beth Jacob.
It is not clear whether the teenager will face any criminal charges. DeKalb police said an incident report will be filed with Juvenile Court, which will take over the case.
Despite the outcome of this case, Kaiman said his group must take future incidents seriously.
“Let’s not forget that hate group activity is a reality, and we can’t assume that the next call will be another fabrication,” he said.
