Kentucky Woman Indicted Over War Memorial Vandalism
A federal grand jury indicted Kentucky woman Melissa Farris on Thursday. She faces two felony counts related to damage at a war memorial.
The memorial is the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The charges include destroying a veterans' memorial and government property. Farris is accused of spray-painting the memorial.
The alleged incident happened on Aug. 13.
Reports say the spray-painting was livestreamed online. A fountain at the memorial was also filled with bubbles.
US Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro called it a "despicable attack." Farris was released after an Aug. 17 court appearance. She is scheduled to be arraigned next week on the charges.
Klear Note — An indictment formally accuses someone of federal crimes; guilt remains undecided. An arraignment is when a defendant hears charges and enters a plea.
Key Terms 4
- grand jury A group of citizens who decide if charges should be filed.
- felony A serious crime with harsher punishment than a minor offense.
- arraigned Formally brought to court to hear the charges.
- U.S. Attorney A government lawyer who prosecutes federal crimes.