01/04/2025
Press Release -- Gra...
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JOHN EWANCIW
CHIEF OF POLICE
TELEPHONE
845-343-3151
FAX NUMBER
845-343-2660
CITY OF MIDDLETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT
2 JAMES STREET
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK 10940
ESTABLISHED 1888
PRESS RELEASE
Middletown Police Arrest Suspect in Connection with more than 30 Graffiti Incidents
Beginning on Monday, December 23, 2024, the City of Middletown Police Department was notified of 29 separate incidents of graffiti that had been discovered on public buildings and private property at locations throughout our jurisdiction. Additional reports were handled by the New York State Police and the Town of Wallkill Police in their respective jurisdictions. All of the graffiti was found to be written in bright colored spray paint, with large printing that contained initials, names, and phrases including "B.R." "meesH" "LOST." BLOODY ROMeO" "BX" "GET MONEY CRU." "YA DIG" and "BX". Some of the locations where the graffiti was found in the City of Middletown include the historic Paramount Theater, the Middletown & New Jersey Railroad Station, Coney Island Restaurant, Nelson's Bar, Verizon Wireless, Family Dollar, CVS, New Wonders Day Care, and Sutton Hill Apartments.
Estimates for clean-up and restoration of the locations have exceeded more than $25,000.00,
due to the intricate masonry stonework and other materials that were damaged by the graffiti.
While patrol officers were still responding to and documenting additional incidents of graffiti, the Middletown Police Department's Detective Division initiated a comprehensive investigation into the crimes, reviewing hours of public and private surveillance footage, collecting evidence, and obtaining detailed damage estimates from the areas where the graffiti was reported. A potential suspect and accompanying vehicle were quickly identified, and police officers and detectives initiated surveillance for the suspect at an address at Bella Vista Apartments in the City of Middletown.
On Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at approximately 3:40 PM, Middletown Detectives arrested Kevin Herrera (30) of the City of Middletown, charging him with three (3) counts of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony. Mr. Herrera was then arraigned in Middletown City Court on January 2, 2024, where he was released on his own recognizance for a future court appearance, as Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree is a criminal offense that is not subject to cash bail or bond. Mr. Herrera has no criminal history in New York State.
Chief Ewanciw stated,
*The crime of making graffiti is not always seen as a serious offense given its artistic
nature, and the appeal it has to some members of the community. This case unquestionably demonstrates the destructive nature of this crime and the very negative impact these actions can have upon residents and business owners within the city. These writings served no legitimate purpose, are very difficult to erase, and inflicted thousands of dollars in damage to these various locations. MPD police officers and detectives worked quickly and diligently to identify the suspect, place him under arrest, and hold him accountable for his illegal actions. I commend my officers and detectives for their outstanding work in solving this case so quickly."
Mayor DeStefano said, "Over the past several years, the City of Middletown has invested millions of dollars into revitalizing our Downtown, working tirelessly to attract new residents and businesses to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities we have available to raise and support a family. One individual making a series of bad
decisions will not negate all of the positive improvements and progress we have made in reestablishing Middletown as a premier Hudson Valley destination. We are fortunate that our recent improvements included a substantial increase in the number of surveillance cameras and other security features that were instrumental in identifying the suspect in this case. Given the sheer number of victims and the significant financial impact of the crimes, it is my hope that the defendant is prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney's Office to the fullest extent of the law. Furthermore, if the defendant is found guilty, I would expect that the defendant's sentencing would be compatible with the negative impact he has had on our community, and hopefully serve as a deterrent for others to engage in this type of conduct in the future. I thank Chief Ewanciw and all of his officers and detectives for their efforts in bringing the defendant to justice."
The Middletown Police Department continues to investigate these graffiti incidents, and additional reports and complaints are still being received by our agency as of this date. Any Individuals observing graffiti that is consistent with the aforementioned phrases and words are encouraged to contact the Middletown Detective Division, at 845-343-3152, referencing Event # 32212-24.
A criminal charge is merely an allegation by the police that a defendant has violated the criminal law, and it is not evidence of any quilt All defendants are presumed innarent and are entitled to a fair trial during which it will he the State
