Agriculture Heir Bruce Lion Charged With Hate Crimes Over Antisemitic Threats at Shabbat Service ● UPDATING

A prominent California agriculture heir, Bruce Alfred Lion, 64, is facing over nine years in prison after being charged with three felony counts, including hate crime enhancements, for allegedly shouting antisemitic death threats at a rabbi during a Shabbat service. The incident occurred on June 5 outside Lion's residence in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Lion, whose family established one of the state's largest independent raisin-packing companies, was arrested on June 13 by the Los Angeles Police Department's West Los Angeles Division following an investigation.

The confrontation took place around 8 p.m. during a Sabbath evening prayer service.

Investigators say Lion stood on his balcony and hurled antisemitic vitriol and threats at his next-door neighbor, Rabbi Zushe Cunin of Chabad of Pacific Palisades, who was leading the gathering. The charges include one count of violating civil rights and two counts of making criminal threats, all with felony hate crime enhancements.

Lion has allegedly targeted Rabbi Cunin with threats and abuse for the past four months.

Lion's arraignment was postponed for the second day after he refused to leave his cell to attend court. The judge has ordered that Lion be forcibly removed from his cell on Friday to face trial.

Prosecutors successfully requested bail be set at $225,000. If convicted on all counts, Lion faces a maximum sentence of nine years and four months in state prison.

The Airport Branch Office is handling the prosecution. Under California law, the charges are allegations, and Lion is presumed innocent until proven guilty.