Hate Crime Vandalism, April 2024 Arrest

On the morning of April 9, 2024, the Portsmouth Police Department opened an investigation into a targeted case of vandalism at Temple Israel in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Following an investigation, an arrest warrant for criminal mischief and hate-motivated criminal mischief was issued for a suspect identified through the investigation as Kevin O’Leary, 31 of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. On April 19, 2024, Mr. O’Leary turned himself in to the Portsmouth Police Department and was arrested on this warrant. Mr. O’Leary was processed and released on personal recognizance bail with an arraignment date of June 10, 2024. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty. 

The Portsmouth Police Department would like to thank the community partners who assisted in this investigation, to include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Unit, the news organizations who helped spread the word and suspect photos, and all the citizens of Portsmouth who contributed to this investigation with their investigative tips and video surveillance. This is an ongoing investigation. Please contact Detective Raizes, Investigative Division, at 603-610-7534. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. 

“Anonymous tips can be made through Seacoast Crime Stoppers by calling (603) 431- 1199, online at www.seacoastcrimestoppers.com and through the new “P3” phone app available as a free download. Rewards of up to $1,000.00 may be paid for help solving cases if the information leads to an arrest or indictment of a suspect(s).”