Juvenile Arraigned In Spray-Painting Swastikas Case

WOBURN - Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that a male, 17, of Somerville, was arraigned today as a juvenile in Cambridge Juvenile Court on charges of vandalizing property (2 counts), property damage to intimidate, and defacing property (4 counts). The next scheduled court hearing for the teenager is Wednesday, April 22.

“The graffiti which was found at Tufts and near the university campus included swastikas," said District Attorney Ryan. "These symbols and words have no place in a civilized society. Middlesex County is enriched by the diversity of its population and our efforts are focused on ending such displays of prejudice and continuing to develop a climate of tolerance."

Somerville Police Chief David Fallon added, "I would like to thank the Tufts University Police Department, the District Attorney's Office, and detectives from my department who worked hard to solve this case. We will strive to assist this young person in having him gain insight into his actions as we try to build a community of tolerance in Somerville."

Authorities say that evidence in this case includes cell phone information which allegedly links the defendant to incidents occurring in Somerville in November and December 2014. Locations where tagging occurred, allegedly at the hands of this juvenile, include Lewis Hall at Tufts University, Powder House Community School, and on the pavement on Curtis Street.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

These incidents are being investigated by the Tufts University Police Department and the Somerville Police Department.

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Matt Bailey.