Man Pleads Guilty to Vandalizing Synagogue

A 21-year-old man pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to violate federal civil rights in the 1997 vandalism of a synagogue, federal prosecutors said. Michael Brian DaSilva of Lakeside admitted vandalizing Congregation Tifereth Israel by spray-painting swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans on the walls, windows, benches and walkways of the synagogue.

He faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced Aug. 17.

DaSilva was accused along with Alex James Curtis, the publisher of a racist Internet newsletter, who also pleaded guilty to federal civil rights violations. Curtis apologized last month to Rep. Bob Filner (D-San Diego) and others as part of a plea agreement that will result in no more than three years in custody.