WITH A TRIAL SCHEDULED FOR MAY 2027. SERIOUS TROUBLE FOR THE MAN ACCUSED OF VANDALIZING TWO ALBUQUERQUE JEWISH CENTERS. LESS THAN TEN MINUTES APART. CROFTON IS NOW FACING FEDERAL CHARGES, AND WE LEARNED HE THREATENED TO KILL POLICE OFFICERS, ACCORDING TO THE U.S. DOJ. POLICE SAY HE APPROACHED CONGREGATION ALBERT AND SHATTERED DOORS, AND EIGHT MINUTES LATER, DOING THE SAME THING AT JCC, POLICE HAVE TEXTS SHOWING CROFTON SUPPOSEDLY BRAGGED ABOUT VANDALISM AND SAID HE WOULD LOVE
Albuquerque man charged in antisemitic attacks on Jewish properties
Rex H.B. Crofton is accused of damaging two Jewish properties in Albuquerque in what investigators describe as an antisemitic act.
Federal authorities have charged Rex H.B. Crofton, 25, with damaging two Jewish properties in Albuquerque in what investigators describe as an antisemitic act. According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in New Mexico, Crofton allegedly smashed glass doors at Congregation Albert and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque on June 2, 2026, causing more than $5,000 in damage. Investigators say surveillance video, witness accounts, license plate reader data, and text messages tie Crofton to both incidents, which occurred about eight minutes apart. The affidavit also cites statements from relatives who said he made antisemitic threats before the attacks. Crofton was arrested the next day, and federal agents said a search of his residence and vehicles turned up clothing and a tool consistent with the damage seen on video. A judge denied pretrial detention and ordered Crofton released on personal recognizance under strict conditions. Those conditions include no alcohol or illegal drugs, no cannabis or synthetic cannabinoids, no firearms or dangerous weapons, no contact with victims or witnesses, no return to the alleged incident locations, and no leaving the county or state. He must report to Pretrial Services, submit to urine or alcohol testing, wear a GPS ankle monitor with exclusion zones at Congregation Albert and the JCC, observe an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew except for class, maintain weekly contact with defense counsel, notify the court, attorney, and bondsman of any address change, and obey all federal, state, tribal, and local laws.
Federal authorities have charged Rex H.B. Crofton, 25, with damaging two Jewish properties in Albuquerque in what investigators describe as an antisemitic act.
According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in New Mexico, Crofton allegedly smashed glass doors at Congregation Albert and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque on June 2, 2026, causing more than $5,000 in damage.
Investigators say surveillance video, witness accounts, license plate reader data, and text messages tie Crofton to both incidents, which occurred about eight minutes apart. The affidavit also cites statements from relatives who said he made antisemitic threats before the attacks.
Crofton was arrested the next day, and federal agents said a search of his residence and vehicles turned up clothing and a tool consistent with the damage seen on video.
A judge denied pretrial detention and ordered Crofton released on personal recognizance under strict conditions. Those conditions include no alcohol or illegal drugs, no cannabis or synthetic cannabinoids, no firearms or dangerous weapons, no contact with victims or witnesses, no return to the alleged incident locations, and no leaving the county or state.
He must report to Pretrial Services, submit to urine or alcohol testing, wear a GPS ankle monitor with exclusion zones at Congregation Albert and the JCC, observe an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew except for class, maintain weekly contact with defense counsel, notify the court, attorney, and bondsman of any address change, and obey all federal, state, tribal, and local laws.
