US judge orders release of woman accused of vandalism at World War Two Memorial
Melissa L. Farris was released on personal recognizance after prosecutors said she posed a high risk of flight and faces two felony counts.
- On Monday, a U.S. judge granted pretrial release to Melissa Farris, 41, who faces two felony charges for allegedly vandalizing the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., with graffiti and soap.
- Farris allegedly vandalized the monument on Thursday, August 13, spray-painting "Clean hands Dirty $" and filling the fountain with suds while claiming to protest U.S. tax spending and corporate practices.
- While the Justice Department opposed her release, citing flight risk, Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh imposed strict conditions: Farris must surrender her passport, undergo mental health screenings, and avoid Washington, D.C., except for court business.
- President Donald Trump criticized the release on Truth Social, calling the act an insult to American heroes, while Veterans of Foreign Wars condemned the vandalism as "a slap in the face" to veterans and families.
- Farris faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted and must appear for a preliminary hearing on September 3, as U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro faces ongoing criticism from Trump over her handling of separate vandalism cases.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Jeanine Pirro's Latest Vandal Case Takes Blow Amid Judge's 'Concern' About Her Office
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro suffered another courtroom setback when Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh freed a WWII Memorial vandalism suspect over prosecutors' objections. Melissa Farris, 41, was released Monday and ordered to return to Kentucky under court supervision. She is barred from entering Washington except for court appearances and must stay away from the World War II Memorial. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 3. The ruling cam…
Woman Charged for Allegedly Vandalizing WWII Memorial Released from Jail on Judge’s Orders
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro isn't happy that a U.S. judge on Monday ordered the release of a Kentucky woman who was accused of vandalism at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Melissa Farris, 41, was taken into custody last week and charged with two felony counts, the Associated Press reported.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
