A Kentucky woman has been indicted on two federal counts connected to vandalism at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia said an indictment returned August 27 charges Melissa Farris, 41, of Elizabethtown, over the August 13 incident at the memorial’s Atlantic Theater Pavilion.
According to the earlier criminal complaint, U.S. Park Police responded after a witness reported seeing a woman spray-painting portions of the memorial. Investigators allege that graffiti reading “Clean Hands Dirty $” was left at the site and that soap or another foaming substance was put into the fountain.
Authorities say witnesses photographed the activity and investigators later reviewed public social-media videos in which Farris allegedly discussed her actions. She had previously been arrested nearby on an unlawful-camping allegation, according to the complaint.
The National World War II Memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served during the war and 405,399 who died. More than four million people visit the memorial annually, the Justice Department said.
An indictment is not a conviction. The charges are allegations, and Farris is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Facts first. Side-eye included.
DJF separates what is confirmed from what is claimed—and tells you why this particular mess is worth your time.