A California resident connected to a family-owned raisin company faces hate crime charges following allegations of antisemitic harassment against neighbors in Pacific Palisades.

Bruce Lion, 64, was scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, but the proceeding was postponed after he refused to leave his jail cell. Court documents from Los Angeles County Superior Court indicate that Lion faces one count of using threats or force due to someone’s beliefs and two counts of threatening to commit a crime with intent to terrorize.

A plea of not guilty was entered on Lion’s behalf. The court has set a hearing next month to evaluate his mental competency to stand trial. Lion remains in custody on $225,000 bail, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. His attorney, Talia Mitchell, did not respond to requests for comment, and Lion did not reply to an email seeking comment.

Authorities have released limited information regarding the case. According to Rabbi Zushe Cunin, director of the Chabad Jewish Community Center in Pacific Palisades and one of Lion’s neighbors, the defendant engaged in antisemitic tirades targeting local Jewish residents. Cunin said Lion has allegedly harassed neighbors, including repeated criminal threats, over several weeks.

“I couldn’t remember ever facing this level of intense expression of antisemitism,” Cunin told reporters, describing incidents that included Lion allegedly directing antisemitic remarks toward the rabbi’s wife and an episode where Lion reportedly used a water hose to douse a congregant’s car.

The rabbi, a Westside community resident for over three decades, said friction began after Lion moved into a nearby home earlier this year. Multiple neighbors reportedly contacted police nearly every day due to Lion’s behavior. The Los Angeles Police Department declined to provide further details, and the court documents do not explicitly reference hate crime or antisemitism.

If convicted on all charges, Lion could face a combined prison sentence of up to nine years and four months.

In response to the allegations, Lion’s Raisins, the family business with which Lion is affiliated, issued a statement condemning antisemitism, racism, and all forms of discrimination. The company emphasized that Lion is not involved in the day-to-day operations.

Cunin noted that the antisemitic incidents have affected religious gatherings typically held at his home, with some community members expressing a desire to relocate services. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to remaining in the neighborhood, stating his opposition to yielding to intimidation.

“I understand why many people would say just get out of here, but that’s not what we believe. We don’t believe in allowing people like this to terrorize the community,” Cunin said.

The case remains under investigation, with further court proceedings anticipated in the coming weeks.