Bruce Alfred Lion, the heir to one of California’s largest raisin companies, has been charged with felony hate crimes after allegedly threatening to kill a rabbi who was leading a Sabbath evening prayer service in the Pacific Palisades.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Lion, 64, allegedly stood on the balcony of his Pacific Palisades home on June 5 at around 8 pm and shouted antisemitic threats at his next-door neighbor, a rabbi who was leading a Shabbat prayer service. The rabbi was reportedly Rabbi Zushe Cunin of Chabad of Pacific Palisades.

Lion was charged in case 26ARCF01183 with three felony hate crimes: one count of violation of civil rights and two counts of criminal threats.

“Hate has no place in Los Angeles County. My office is aggressively prosecuting these disturbing acts that tear at the fabric of our society,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement.

Hochman said Los Angeles County is facing an “alarming increase in hate crimes,” including record-high antisemitic offenses, and vowed to prosecute crimes motivated by prejudice against individuals based on religion, race, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation.

Lion was arrested on June 13. His arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday in Department 30 of the Airport Courthouse. Bail was set at $225,000 at the request of prosecutors. If convicted as charged, Lion faces up to nine years and four months in state prison.
 

His family’s company, Lion Raisins, said in a statement, “Recent reports about the conduct of Bruce Lion are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of Lion Raisins. We unequivocally condemn antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate, discrimination, and intolerance.”

The suspect “does not actively participate in the company’s day-to-day operations,” the company said, adding that Lion RAisins remains “committed to fostering understanding and respect among all communities and to ethical conduct, mutual respect, and responsible corporate citizenship.”