Image Credit: Mt. Juliet Police Department & Facebook
Tennessee Conservative News [By Paula Gomes] –
License Plate Readers (LPR) helped police find an individual responsible for vandalizing multiple political signs quickly in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
The signs, at the corner of Lebanon Road and North Mt. Juliet Road, were vandalized early Monday morning.
Following a report given to police regarding the vandalism, officers reviewed surveillance video from the area which showed the suspect damaging signs at around 3:00 a.m. The individual then left the area in a vehicle but LPR cameras captured the license plate leading law enforcement to the residence of 18-year-old Lucas Reiter.
Newly graduated from Green Hill High School, Reiter’s father Rick Reiter is co-owner of a boutique store in Mt. Juliet, named Nook, along with his gay partner Marc Vera. The store is currently celebrating Pride with different events planned for each weekend in June.
Lucas admitted to police that he had vandalized the signs and was subsequently arrested and charged with Felony Vandalism while booked into the Wilson County Jail.
Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD) stated that political signs are protected property and that intentionally damaging or destroying signs is a criminal offense.
“We remain committed to protecting the rights of all individuals to lawfully express their views and participate in the democratic process,” stated MJPD in a media release.
According to the Wilson County Republican Party (WCRP), Lucas Reiter was instrumental in organizing an anti-ICE walkout from his high school and admitted to vandalizing school property on another occasion for which he received an in-school suspension (ISS).
In a press release, the WCRP stated, “Political signs are more than pieces of plastic and wire. They represent the constitutional right of citizens to participate in the political process, support candidates of their choosing, and express their views publicly. While individuals may disagree on candidates, parties, or issues, those disagreements must be settled through civil discourse and at the ballot box—not through the destruction of private property.”
In Tennessee, vandalism is prosecuted similarly to theft. Felony charges apply when damages exceed $1,000. For damages of $1,000 and up to $2,500, constituting a Class E felony, an individual could face up to 6 years in prison and have to pay up to $3,000 in fines.
The last time political signs were vandalized in Wilson County, the WCRP offered a $1,500 cash reward to the general public to help find those responsible.
Campaign signs for President Donald Trump and his running partner JD Vance, located in both Lebanon and Mt. Juliet were either stolen, or defaced.
Police later charged a 16-year-old girl from Old Hickory in two incidents, and a 74-year-old man from Hermitage in another.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Don’t care. These think keep poping up all over Knox county. They are installed incorrectly, even if they were, I don’t want to be spied upon contsantly.