PONTIAC, Mich. – Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Toby Jacob Rhodes, a 54-year-old resident of Southfield, with a hate crime.

 

On March 31, the defendant allegedly filmed his neighbor’s three children while they were playing outside and reportedly shouted, “All Jews are murderers,” “Always playing victim,” “Kill the Jews,” and “Kill you.” He also allegedly attempted to block one of the children from riding a scooter on the sidewalk.

 

“Antisemitism and ethnic intimidation are never acceptable, but this hateful behavior is especially abhorrent when directed at children,” said Prosecutor McDonald. “This defendant’s alleged behavior was intended to terrify his neighbors because of their faith. We intend to hold him accountable for his actions.”

 

A hate crime is punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

 

Rhodes is also charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Ethnic Intimidation for a separate incident that allegedly occurred on May 18, 2025. A pretrial hearing in that case is scheduled for June 2 in Sixth Circuit Court.

 

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

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