The Pennsylvania man accused of torching a Brooklyn rabbi’s home appeared in court on Sunday night — smiling from ear-to-ear — after getting hit with attempted murder and arson charges.
Matthew Karelefsky, 41, didn’t appear to have a care in the world as he was arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court and remanded into custody.
Wearing a white t-shirt, black pants and sneakers, the McKeesport resident only spoke twice — when the judge issued a full order of protection for Rabbi Jonathan Max, whom he allegedly targeted last week.
Asked if he understood the terms and had any questions, Karelefsky said: “Yes, your honor” and then “No, your honor.”
Prosecutors laid out their evidence against him, including how there’s video that shows the alleged firebug at Rabbi Max’s home on the morning of the fire.
“There are receipts showing the defendants purchase for charcoals and matches,” said Assistant District Attorney Tziyonah Langsam. “[Karelefsky] also made admissions to setting the fire using gasoline and charcoal…This is after the defendant was tracked and found in Manhattan with a bag full of lighter fluid an axe and knives.”
Prosecutors confirmed the existence of Karelefsky’s “Never let go of the HATRED – KILL Rabbi Max YEMACH SHMO” tattoo, which was reported by The Post on Sunday — as well as online threats that he allegedly made against Rabbi Max.
“The defendant faces a significant jail sentence if found guilty on attempted murder in the second degree and arson in the second degree,” Langsam said, before asking that Karelefsky be remanded.
The divorcee was ordered back into custody, against his lawyer’s wishes.
“The top charge is a ‘B’ violent felony,” said Karelefsky’s defense attorney, Amy Swenson, of the Legal Aid Society. “I don’t think remand is appropriate for someone with no criminal record.”
Karelefsky is scheduled to be back in court on June 21.