Phoenix, AZ, December 11, 2008 .... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauded the capture and arrests Wednesday of white supremacists suspected of committing two hate crimes last year.

The arrests of Chad Kearns, Jamie Lyon and Doolin and Preston Onion were the result of coordination between an investigator with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, the Major Offender Bureau of the Phoenix Police Department and the Anti-Defamation League.

The four are suspected of beating two people at a Phoenix bar in March, 2007 and stabbing a customer at a Phoenix Walgreen's store two months later.  Both attacks are characterized by law enforcement as being racially-motivated.

Miriam Weisman, ADL Regional Board Chair and Bill Straus, ADL Regional Director, issued the following statement:

Crimes motivated by hate are among ADL's greatest concerns.  Hate crimes send a message to entire communities of people that they are not wanted, and literally risk their lives by staying here.  With these arrests, the Phoenix Police Department and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office have sent a strong message that crimes of this nature simply will not be tolerated in our community. ADL is proud to have played a role in the investigation.