The nature of the vandalism led to the violation of constitutional rights charge.
WALES - A 17-year-old Hollow Road resident will be arraigned Monday in Palmer District Court in connection with vandalism last month at the former Tedore’s restaurant, which included swastikas, racial epithets and the words “white power,” Police Chief Dawn M. Charette said Sunday.
Charette said Stephen Smola was being held on $5,000 bail at the state police barracks in Sturbridge. She said a citizen provided police with information that led to Smola’s arrest on felony charges of malicious destruction of property over $250, violation of constitutional rights, and intimidation of a witness.
The nature of the vandalism led to the violation of constitutional rights charge, she said.
“People were very upset and fearful,” Charette said. “I will not tolerate any type of behavior like this in town.”
She said Smola allegedly intimidated someone who had provided information to police early in the investigation.