Raisin Heir Charged With Hate Crimes Against Rabbi

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – An heir to one of California’s largest raisin companies has been charged with three felony hate crimes for allegedly threatening to kill a rabbi as he led an evening prayer service at a neighboring Pacific Palisades home, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

Court records indicate that a not guilty plea was entered Thursday on Bruce Alfred Lion’s behalf and that mental competency proceedings are scheduled July 6 at the Hollywood courthouse.

Lion, 64, was charged Tuesday with two counts of criminal threats and one count of violation of civil rights in a case in which he could face up to nine years and four months in state prison if he is convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Lion allegedly stood on the balcony of his home and shouted antisemitic threats at the rabbi June 5, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Rabbi Zushe Cunin told the New York Post last week, “It was horrific. … I’ve never experienced it, especially in front of kids, little children. In this country, to have to see this kind of hatred and antisemitism is just unacceptable.”

The Fresno television station KMPH reported that Lion Raisins issued a statement, saying “Recent reports about the conduct of Bruce Lion are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of Lion Raisins.”

“We unequivocally condemn antisemitism, racism and all forms of hate, discrimination and intolerance. Bruce Lion does not actively participate in the company’s day-to-day operations,” the company said in the statement.

Lion was arrested last Saturday by Los Angeles police and has remained behind bars since then in lieu of $225,000 bail, jail records show.

He could face up to nine years and four months in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

“Los Angeles County is experiencing an alarming increase in hate crimes, with record-high antisemitic offenses and unprecedented levels of crimes targeting individuals based on their religion, race, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation. Our county is home to hundreds of cultures and traditions, and we will prosecute any crime motivated by prejudice against them,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement announcing the charges.