Two Former SOU Students Charged in Ashland Jewish Center Hate Crime

Ashland, Oregon- On December 14, 2023, the Ashland Police Department responded to a report of vandalism at the Chabad Jewish Center. Disturbing video evidence revealed three individuals approaching the center, with one hurling eggs and shouting “Heil Hitler.”

The APD promptly shared the footage on social media, leading to the identification of the suspects. The primary individual involved, Zachary Demarest, 18, of Corvallis, Oregon, and another suspect, Jacob Wilhelm, 18, of Blackfoot, Idaho, were quickly named.

While the third person in the video was identified, they were not implicated in the crime and, therefore, remain unnamed. At the time of the incident, all three were students at Southern Oregon University (SOU), but both charged individuals are no longer enrolled at the institution, having left for winter break shortly after the incident was reported.

Upon the return of students for the new term, APD detectives continued their investigation. Zachary Demarest, identified as the one throwing the eggs and yelling offensive remarks, voluntarily turned himself in on January 19, 2024, and was subsequently booked into the Jackson County Jail. Demarest faces charges of Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree (Class C Misdemeanor) and Bias Crime 2nd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor).

Jacob Wilhelm was contacted and charged with Bias Crime 2nd Degree and Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree through a misdemeanor criminal citation. His court date is set for February 7, 2024. Wilhelm’s involvement was described as encouraging Demarest’s criminal behavior, making him accountable as a co-conspirator.

The Ashland Police Department expressed gratitude for the cooperation and assistance of Southern Oregon University in the investigation. They affirmed their commitment to thoroughly investigate all bias crime complaints, collaborating with the Jackson County District Attorney’s office to prosecute to the fullest extent possible based on the evidence presented.