Chicago, IL – Mariusz Wdziekonski was sentenced to seven years in prison for desecrating graves at a Jewish cemetery.

Wdziekonski denied during his trial that he vandalized the graves in January 2008. But several Cook County sheriff’s officers testified that he ultimately admitted during questioning that he had desecrated the headstones and grave markers.

Prosecutors said the seven-year prison term imposed on Wdziekonski, a Polish immigrant who has been in the United States since 2004, was appropriate.

“It’s exactly what he deserved,” said prosecutor Lauren Brown.

Wdziekonski likely will remain behind bars for only a few months, though. Under state law, he will serve only half his prison term. And he already has been held at the Cook County Jail for nearly three years since his arrest on Jan. 31, 2008.

Axelrood ripped Wdziekonski for statements he made to police that he vandalized the cemetery to gain standing among other neo-Nazi partisans.

“You wanted to make a grand statement and elevate yourself among a despicable group of people,” Axelrood said, adding: “You can keep your beliefs, you can take them to the penitentiary, but you can’t act on them.”

Wdzielonski’s convictions mean he could face deportation after he completes his prison term, authorities said.

(Source: Chicago Tribune)