Robert L. Langley Jr.
Sheriff of Putnam County
Press Release
18 YEAR OLD PHILIPSTOWN RESIDENT CHARGED WITH HATE CRIMES
FOR HIS VANDALISM OF A LOCAL HOME LAST HALLOWEEN
After a lengthy investigation into anti- Semitic graffiti, discovered in a home that was under construction in Nelsonville, Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley reports that, 18-year-old Louis Weber, of Philipstown has been arrested and charged with several “Hate Crimes”.
On October 31, 2018, at approximately 8:07 a.m. Deputy Christopher Tompkins responded to 1 Brave Scout Way in the Village of Nelsonville on a report of criminal mischief. Upon arriving, Deputy Tompkins observed a house under construction where, among other things, several swastika symbols were spray painted on the walls and windows and the word “Kike” was spray painted on a window. Deputy Tompkins notified investigators from the Sheriff Department’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and ID unit, who responded to the home to process the scene and to continue with the investigation.
On November 7, 2018, Investigator Paul Piazza, who was assigned the investigation, arrested a 17 year old male of Garrison and charged him in connection with the crime. On November 9, 2018 an 18 year old resident of Highland Falls was also arrested. They were both charged with Burglary in the 3rd Degree, (Felony), Criminal Mischief 4th Degree, (Misdemeanor), Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree, (Misdemeanor), Making Graffiti, (Misdemeanor) and Possession of Graffiti Instruments (Misdemeanor). [Both of these individuals are eligible for a Youthful Offender Adjudication]
Investigator Piazza continued to gather evidence and on February 20, 2019 arrested Louis Weber and charged him with the Hate Crimes of Burglary in the 3rd Degree, (Felony), Criminal Mischief 4th Degree, (Felony), and Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree, (Misdemeanor). Mr. Weber was also charged with Making Graffiti, (Misdemeanor) and Possession of Graffiti Instruments (Misdemeanor). On February 21, 2019 he was released from the Putnam County Correctional Facility after $2000 bail was posted pending a future court appearance in the Village of Nelsonville Justice Court.
