CHICAGO — A suburban man who has been on a crusade to vandalize newspaper boxes across the city and suburbs for more than a year has been charged with a felony, authorities said.
James Henry Austin, of Harwood Heights, was charged with vandalizing newspaper boxes throughout the city, from Jefferson Park to Lincoln Park, and in surrounding suburbs like Wilmette, according to the Cook County Sheriff's office and a woman who runs a suburban-based newspaper.
Austin broke the glass and the holders on the boxes, and would occasionally steal papers, according to Vera Sauchanka, whose boxes for her suburban-based newspaper, Chicago News, are among those that have been vandalized.
A Chicago police spokesman would not comment on the charges.
Austin was released on bond Feb. 23, according to the sheriff's office.
He is scheduled to appear in court Friday.
Sauchanka is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone with information about suspicious activity connected to vandalized newspaper boxes. Contact her at info@mychinews.com or 844-344-NEWS.
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