2nd man charged in NJ firebomb attacks expected in court today

(AP) HACKENSACK, N.J - The second man charged in a series of attacks on synagogues in northern New Jersey is due in court on Monday.

Aakash Dalal, 19, of New Brunswick is charged with conspiracy, aggravated arson, bias intimidation and criminal mischief. He allegedly played a role in the January attacks, which included the firebombing of a house of worship where a rabbi and several family members were sleeping upstairs, and plotting an attack on a Jewish community center.

Dalal is not believed to have participated in the acts themselves, but Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli characterized him as an instigator in the firebombings allegedly carried out by then-19-year-old Anthony Graziano, who has pleaded not guilty to nine counts of attempted murder. Prosecutors say Dalal gave Graziano information on how to make incendiary devices.

Police say Dalal, who is being held on $2.5 million bail, attended Rutgers University and went to middle school with Graziano.

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January 25, 2012 - NJ man arrested for firebombing synagogues