MOBILE, Alabama -- Thomas Hayward Lewis’ parents made the case last week in Mobile’s federal court that he is a different man from the one who scrawled anti-Jewish slogans and symbols on a church building and had bomb components in his bedroom.

Certainly, Lewis looked different. Gone were the bald head, mustache and T-shirt, replaced by short, well-groomed hair and a jacket and tie.

U.S. District Judge Kristi DuBose expressed concern about the defendant’s long history of drug use, which his mother said dates back to when he first starting using marijuana at age 12. The judge also wanted to know why Lewis failed to complete two previous drug treatment programs or get a job since his arrest in January 2009.

DuBose sentenced Lewis to a year and a day in jail, which was less than the range set forth by advisory guidelines but more than the probation sought by defense attorney Sid Harrell. The judge said a jail sentence was necessary to deter others.

“I think what we have is a serious crime that was thwarted, actually,” she said.

Lewis, 24, pleaded guilty in August to damaging religious property and possession of an explosive device. He admitted that he and another man spray-painted anti-Jewish messages on the Congregation Tree of Life Messianic Synagogue on Jeff Hamilton Road in Mobile.

Members of the congregation consider themselves Jews but accept Jesus Christ as their savior. Jack Morgan, the congregational leader, said about 95 people — including Gentiles — attend services on Friday nights.

Mobile police searched Lewis’ home and found a poster and drawings of neo-Nazi symbols, as well as menacing statements against Jews and blacks. They also found glass and plastic bottles containing starter or lighter fluid that investigators determined were components of an explosive device.

Morgan told DuBose that the Nazi language was particularly disturbing because the congregation has members from Europe with relatives who went through the Holocaust.

“The United States does have a deep and abiding concern for hate crimes,” Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cherry said in arguing for a jail sentence.

Lewis apologized for his conduct and told DuBose that he has re-enrolled at the University of South Alabama with hopes of becoming a paramedic.

“It was a case of my own stupidity,” he said. “It was stupid at best. It was juvenile. It was misguided. ... I’m ready to get on with my life.”

The defendant’s mother, Celia Lewis, told DuBose that her son has been a big help caring for his elderly grandmother. She said Lewis has been drug-free since his arrest and has matured.

“We are impressed and amazed by Hayward’s progress,” she said. “He realizes the gravity of his offense.”