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Third Teen Faces Hate Crime Charges For Anti-Semitic Graffiti Incident In Putnam

An 18-year-old Putnam resident is facing multiple charges, including two felonies, after a lengthy investigation into anti-Semitic graffiti discovered in a home that was under construction in Nelsonville.

Louis Weber, 18, of Philipstown

Louis Weber, 18, of Philipstown

Photo Credit: Putnam County Sheriff

Louis Weber of Philipstown is the third teen arrested in connection with the incident.

Deputy Christopher Tompkins responded to 1 Brave Scout Way in the Village of Nelsonville on a report of criminal mischief at about 8 a.m. on Halloween Day, Oct. 31, 2018.

Upon arriving, Deputy Tompkins observed a house under construction where, among other things, several swastika symbols were spray painted on the walls and windows and an anti-Semitic slur spray painted on a window, Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley said.

Tompkins notified investigators from the Sheriff Department’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and ID unit, who responded to the home to process the scene and to continue with the investigation.

Weber was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 20 and charged him with the hate crimes of third-degree burglary (felony), fourth-degree criminal mischief  (felony) and third-degree criminal trespass (misdemeanor).

Weber was also charged with making graffiti (misdemeanor) and possession of graffiti instruments (misdemeanor). 

He was released from the Putnam County Correctional Facility on Thursday, Feb. 21 after $2,000 bail was posted pending a future court appearance in the Village of Nelsonville Justice Court. 

Investigator Paul Piazza, who was assigned the investigation, arrested a 17-year-old male of Garrison and charged him in connection with the crime on Nov. 7, 2018. 

An 18-year-old resident of Highland Falls was also arrested two days later. They were both charged with third-degree burglary (a felony), fourth-degree criminal mischief (misdemeanor), third-degree criminal trespass (misdemeanor), making graffiti (misdemeanor) and possession of graffiti instruments (misdemeanor). Both are eligible for a Youthful Offender Adjudication.

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