A federal magistrate judge released the woman accused of vandalizing the World War II Memorial. She has now left custody on the condition that she avoid the memorial.
According to records reviewed by WJLA, Melissa Farris has been ordered to submit to supervision through the Pretrial Services Agency for the Northern District of Ohio by August 20. She was also directed to surrender any passport she may have and not obtain a new one. Farris is further required to stay outside of Washington DC expect for court or the Pretrial Services Agency.
Federal prosecutors have asked the judge to reconsider, The Hill reports. “Defendant’s actions, as well as her history and characteristics, demonstrate that she presents a serious risk of flight and non-compliance with release conditions that requires her detention pending trial,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro wrote.
“Defendant was defiant and outspoken before, during, and immediately after committing her crimes,” she continued. “Her attitude only changed after she did not receive the attention she so desperately craved, demonstrating that any expressed remorse is insincere.”
Last week, the memorial’s fountain was found to be filled with soap and graffiti.
“Vandalizing our World War II Memorial is a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom. Those Americans include my father and grandfather,” Pirro wrote on X at the time. “This morning, we are filing two felony charges, Depredation Against Property of the United States and Destruction of Veterans’ Memorials, in Federal District Court against Melissa L. Farris, offenses that carry penalties of up to ten years in prison. She is now in custody.”
