A Somerset County man has pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Brunswick earlier this year.

The United States Department of Justice says 24-year-old Jacob Beacher, of North Plainfield, admitted he broke into the center during the holy Eid al-Fitr holiday in April. He damaged several religious artifacts and stole a Palestinian flag and a charity box belonging to the center. Officials say he caused thousands of dollars in property damage.

Beacher faces up to three years in prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 11.