LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Kentucky woman accused of vandalizing a federal monument was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury.
Melissa Farris, of Elizabethtown, will be arraigned next week on two felony counts. She was indicted on charges of destroying the veterans' memorial and destroying government property.
Farris was arrested earlier this month in connection with vandalism at The World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the felony charges are "Depredation Against Property of the United States and Destruction of Veterans’ Memorials." The offenses carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
The arrest followed the discovery of the vandalism, which included bubbles filling a fountain and "Clean hands dirty $" written in red paint.
Farris was released from jail last week despite a request from the Justice Department to keep her behind bars until her trial started.
A judge allowed Farris to live with her family in Ohio on a supervised release. She must surrender her passport and undergo a mental health evaluation.
Farris needs to be back in Washington for a court hearing in September. She could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
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