MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Two men from out of state were charged with allegedly spray-painting swastikas and antisemitic phrases in multiple areas in Sterling Heights.
Benjamin Parris, a 19-year-old from South Carolina, was charged with four counts of malicious destruction of property, two counts of conspiracy to commit malicious destruction of property and one count of carrying a concealed weapon.
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Michael Walker, a 19-year-old from Idaho, was charged with two counts of malicious destruction of property and two counts of conspiracy to commit malicious destruction of property.
Each charge is a five-year felony.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, nine swastikas, the number 88, “National Socialism is the way,” and “HEIL,” were spray-painted on a fence near a Sterling Heights home on April 19.
Swastikas, antisemitic phrases, and vulgar messages were also spray-painted on the concrete pillars of an underpass of M-53 and Canal, a brick wall near a business and an electrical box near another business.
Read more --> ‘It’s unsettling’: Sterling Heights police arrest 2 after swastikas spray-painted in several spots
Parris and Walker were arraigned on April 21. Walker’s bond was set $75,000 nad Parris’ bond was set at $100,000. Both will be required to wear a steel cuff tether if bond is posted.
The two are expected to return to court on May 4 at 1 p.m.