UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. – A man connected with hate crimes at a University City church and restaurant last year now faces felony charges.

Prosecutors have charged Frankie Rizzello, 20, of Chesterfield, with two counts of property damage motivated by discrimination.

Charges stem from two incidents reported to the University City Police Department from Jan. 1 to Oct. 11, 2023.

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Rizello and others spray-painted the name of a white nationalist group on one exterior wall of One Family Church and the initials of the group on one exterior wall of Poke Doke Asian Cuisine Restaurant.

Vandalism and graffiti damages exceeded $750 in both cases, per court documents.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says the Anti-Defamation League, a global organization that fights antisemitism and bias, was essential to issuing charges against Rizello.

“The impact of hate crimes goes far beyond the individual owners of the targeted businesses. These cowardly acts undermine the sense of safety and belonging for entire groups of people who live in our community. Hate has no place here, and my office will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law,” said St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell.

One Family Church shared this statement with FOX 2 earlier this week:

“We sincerely pray for those who committed these acts of vandalism and hate. We hope they will experience the transforming power of God’s love. If they do, they will come to understand that those they once considered enemies and foes are actually brothers and sisters. Love conquers all.”

Rizello is currently jailed in St. Louis County on a $250,000 cash-only bond. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison and $10,000 in fines for each charge.

It’s unclear if others have been charged or arrested in connection with the crimes.