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Vandal Behind Anti-Semitic Graffiti Under Arrest, Police Say

By Nicholas Rizzi | February 23, 2015 11:24am
Staten Island Graffiti Suspect
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NYPD

NEW DORP — Police arrested the graffiti vandal responsible for spraying anti-government and anti-Semitic graffiti onto banks and stores in New Dorp, they said.

Vincent Rodriguez, 26, of New Dorp Beach, was charged for vandalizing the walls of six businesses on Hylan Boulevard and New Dorp Lane from Feb. 12-18, police said. The graffiti included anti-government messages like "End the Fed B--tches," "F--k Obama," and "End the Fed Aghkenazi (sic) Jews."

Rodriguez was expected to be charged with 11 counts of making graffiti Monday. The arrest was first reported by the Jewish political blog JPUpdates.

Assemblyman Joe Borelli, who contributed to the nearly $1,800 reward raised by Where to Turn for the vandal's capture, said he was glad a suspect was identified quickly.

"I didn't have a doubt that the 122 was going to get this guy," Borelli said. "I’m glad it took such little time. I’m glad we have one less crazed vandal out on the streets."

Among the businesses that were tagged are the Chase Bank at 2754 Hylan Blvd., the Chase Bank at 200 New Dorp Lane, the BCB Bank at 356 New Dorp Lane, a children's clothing store at 2750 Hylan Blvd. and the Something Sweet Ice Cream Parlor at 319 New Dorp Lane, police said.

The last graffiti was found Wednesday on Satandar Bank, 2700 Hylan Blvd., where the suspect painted "End the Fed" on the wall.

In addition to the graffiti on businesses, residents have also found two American flag murals painted by artist Scott LoBaido defaced with anti-Semitic messages.

Police officials, however, do not believe the messages found on LoBaido's pieces are related to the suspect.