MARBLEHEAD — Chief Dennis King reports that the Marblehead Police Department is charging a 15-year-old male Marblehead High School student following an investigation into hateful graffiti found on school property.
On Monday, Oct. 6, and Tuesday, Oct. 7, Marblehead Police were made aware of two incidents of hateful graffiti on Marblehead High School property. Graffiti included a racial slur and antisemitic symbols.
These incidents were immediately addressed by school administrators and School Resource Officer Sean Sweeney Jr. An investigation led by Officer Sweeney Jr. identified the student believed to be responsible for both incidents. Based on the initial investigation, it does not appear that anyone else was involved.
Police determined that there was no threat to the safety of staff or students.
As is long-standing practice when hateful incidents in Town are reported, the Police Department notified the Anti-Defamation League, and local community leaders to help prepare for any follow up actions as a Town that may be needed.
The student, a 15-YEAR-OLD JUVENILE, of MARBLEHEAD, is charged with:
- Vandalism to Property (two counts)
- Tagging Property
- Civil Rights Violation
He is scheduled to appear in Lynn Juvenile Court at a later date.
“The cooperation between the School and Police Department makes a great difference when dealing with this type of abhorrent behavior. We could not have identified a suspect so quickly without such a strong relationship,” said Chief King. “There is no place in Marblehead for hate of any kind, especially in our schools, and we are taking this incident very seriously.”
As this is an active investigation, Marblehead Police will have no further comment at this time.
###
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.