06/28/2025
Four Charged in Dumont Elementary School Vandalism Case
By Jennifer Burnham
Hampton Chronicle
Four local residents have been charged by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office in connection to the recent vandalism of the former Dumont elementary school.
Chloe Passehl, 18, of Latimer has been charged with trespass (damage greater than $300), according to Deputy Reid Menken. Felipe Velica, 18, of Hampton has been charged with criminal mischief, criminal trespass (damage greater than $300) and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The other two suspects are minors, a 15-year-old female and a 13-year-old male from Hampton. Both have been charged with criminal mischief and criminal trespass through juvenile court.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the sheriff's office, they had received a report of multiple suspects unlawfully entering the former elementary school on May 26. Deputy Hemer responded to the scene, where an eyewitness told him they had seen four individuals running out of the building.
According to Deputy Hemer’s statement, their investigation revealed that the four defendants traveled to Dumont in two separate vehicles.
“Velica and the two juveniles arrived first and entered the building, where they began causing damage,” he wrote in his complaint. “Approximately 30 to 40 minutes later, the defendant, Chloe Passehl, arrived and entered the building. During a subsequent interview, the defendant admitted to entering the structure and kicking a sheet rock wall inside a former classroom. The defendant acknowledged that the wall had been previously damaged but stated she contributed to the damage by kicking the sheet rock, resulting in additional holes.”
The total cost of damage to the building is estimated at $637, and restitution has been requested.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and disrespects a building that holds historical and community value for Dumont,” said Deputy Reid Menken. “We appreciate the community's assistance and will continue to take action to hold individuals accountable for these types of offenses.”
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at 319-346-6621.
At the end of April, more than 60 volunteers had come together to clean out the old elementary school in Dumont. The clean-up effort was overseen by the non-profit Revitalize Dumont, which was formed last year as a way to promote stewardship and pride in the city.
Photo provided by Revitalize Dumont.
