Harsher Penalties For War Memorial Vandalism

Last week, Governor Dannel Malloy signed into law a bill that imposes harsher penalties on those who interfere with or vandalize war or veterans’ memorials or monuments.

Public Act No. 12-38, “An Act Concerning Desecration Of War Or Veterans’ Memorials,” also increases penalties for unlawful possession, purchase or sale of a war or veterans’ memorial or monument. Both of these offenses become class D felonies and carry a fine of $5,000.

During November and December 2011, towns throughout the Naugatuck Valley suffered a series of thefts of memorials. Large plaques honoring local war hero Frank Witek were stolen from Witek Park in Derby. Another plaque was stolen from a war memorial on Woodbridge Avenue in Ansonia. In , a third memorial that honored Commodore Isaac Hull for his service in the War of 1812 was taken. All three were likely stolen for their value as scrap metal.

Also in Shelton, , vandals used chalk to draw graffiti on the monuments at Veterans Park and overturned the American flags planted in the ground. John "Jack" Finn first reported the crime, calling it "an embarrassment to the town," and city officials briefly talked about installing surveillance cameras at the park, but that still hasn’t happened. The culprits were never identified.

The Shelton Board of Aldermen recently voted to spend $2,200 of their contingency fund to replace the stolen Commodore Hull plaque. Mayor Mark A. Lauretti said "economic times have dictated this type of activity," but that the city will do its best to be diligent in the future and invest in increased surveillance.

State Senator Kevin C. Kelly (R-21) and State Representatives Jason Perillo (R-113) and Larry Miller (R-122) applauded the final passage of legislation.

“It is my hope that these increased penalties will serve as an added deterrent to those who see war memorials as nothing more than scrap metal,” Sen. Kelly said. “We enjoy freedom of expression because of the dedicated service of our veterans, some who died to give us these rights. To use our freedom to desecrate our veterans’ service is repugnant. This law will help deter that conduct.”

“I personally find this repulsive that individuals would desecrate their veteran’s monuments that were erected in recognition of their service to our country, some of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Rep. Jason Perillo said. “This law will discourage this kind of theft.”

State Rep. Lawrence Miller also supported the legislation and voted for the bill on the House of Representatives floor.