Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi announces today that Jacob Bender, 32, was sentenced to 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in prison following a jury trial that ended on April 13, 2026. A Dutchess County jury convicted Jacob Bender of the crimes of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, a Class E Felony, Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree and Stalking in the Fourth Degree as a Hate Crime, both Class A Misdemeanors.

District Attorney Anthony Parisi said, “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s deliberate and escalating pattern of conduct, which demonstrated a complete disregard for the authority of the court, the safety of the victim, and the community.”  Parisi noted that “This case highlights exactly why our Office established a dedicated Hate Crimes Unit with support from the United States Department of Justice.  When individuals are targeted because of their identity, their beliefs, or the communities they represent, the harm reaches well beyond the immediate victim, it threatens the sense of safety, dignity, and mutual respect that holds communities together.  Conduct fueled by hate, bias, or intolerance has no place in Dutchess County. Every resident deserves the ability to live, worship, work, and serve others without fear of intimidation or harassment, and this Office will remain steadfast in protecting those fundamental rights.”