Las Vegas law firm offering $5K reward in connection with swastika incident at school

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - A Las Vegas-area law firm is offering a reward in connection with an incident in which a special needs student had a swastika scratched into his skin.

Heidari Law Group is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection with the March 9 incident.

According to the boy’s mother, the 17-year-old nonverbal student came from Clark High School with what appeared to be a swastika scratched into his back. The mother said the boy wears a Yamulke daily, the proper head covering for Jewish men. The boy has since been pulled from school.

Everyone should understand this is a very serious crime: injuring someone based on their faith. Every business, every person in the community, they have an ethical duty to stand up for these kinds of crimes,” said attorney Sam Heidari.

Heidari hopes this reward spurs discussions among parents and their children over acts of hate and discrimination.

“They are possibly children, and they don’t know the magnitude of the harm that they have done or the crime that is committed here,” Heidari said.

“I think it’s really scary, and I think people are afraid to talk about it. I think kids are afraid to talk about it. I’m hoping somebody at CCSD will reach out: a staff member student, anybody that saw anything,” said the mother, who has asked to remain anonymous for her safety.

The Lawfare Project is now representing the family to help get answers from CCSD. The day after our story aired, a letter was sent home to parents from the principal which reiterated a previous statement given to FOX5:

“A few weeks ago, there was a serious allegation made regarding an alleged incident that may have taken place at Clark High School. When this alleged incident was reported, an investigation was launched immediately. Because of the seriousness of the allegation, the investigation was conducted by the police. To maintain privacy, I can’t discuss any details from the investigation other than to share the outcome.
CCSD Police took a report of injuries discovered by a parent at home in mid-March. Police conducted a thorough investigation, including interviews with staff and a review of available camera footage. The investigation found no evidence that would indicate the origin of the injuries. Additionally, other law enforcement agencies reviewed the information and found no evidence that would indicate the origin of the injuries.
Clark High School is inclusive of all races, ethnicities, cultures, religions/beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, abilities, and living arrangements. We will not tolerate discriminatory behaviors that contradict an inclusive community and impact student safety and well-being.”
Mrs. Larnerd

Rabbi Levi Harlig of Chabad of Southern Nevada tells FOX5, the mother is encouraged by so much local and national support-- but has been disheartened by doubtful comments on social media. Rabbi Harlig tells FOX5, anti-Semitism continues because too many do not take hate seriously.

“There’s definitely a lot of hate out there in the world, but a lot of the time it’s ignorance. We can prevent these instances from happening through education,” Rabbi Harlig said.

Clark County School District Police and the FBI are investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 702-999-7777 or contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.

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