A Deer Park man who was arrested on Monday for vandalizing a Farmingdale Mosque while fully naked bizarrely returned to the scene of his alleged crime and did the same exact thing all over again, according to the Nassau County Police Department.
According to detectives, Besart Astafa, 28, of 53 Stevenson Place, entered the Masjid Bilal Mosque located at 425 Fulton Street with no shirt on. Once inside, Astafa began to completely undress himself, ran around a common area, and punched an electronic tablet that was on a wall twice, causing the screen to crack.
Upon arrival, officers located Astafa inside the Mosque and placed him under arrest on charges of Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, Exposure of a Person, Public Lewdness and Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree.
Police say Astafa was released yesterday, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 on his own recognizance during pre-trial services. After being released without bail, Astafa returned to the Masjid Bilal Mosque and again removed his clothing.
Officers responded to the location and observed Astafa nude in the basement. He was arrested without incident.
Defendant Astafa is charged with Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree and Exposure of a Person. He will be arraigned on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at First District Court, Hempstead.