Wheaton Man Accused Of Writing Homophobic Slurs At Church, Park

WHEATON, IL — A Wheaton man has been arrested and charged in connection with homophobic slurs that were found written at a local church and park. Joe Fustar, 60, of the 100 block of Hale Street, was charged with criminal damage to a school or place of worship and criminal damage to government supported property.

Fustar is accused of writing a homophobic slur in permanent marker on a door and a bench at Gary United Methodist Church on July 20. Police say Fustar later wrote the same slur on elevator doors at the parking garage on Wesley Street. He is also accused of writing the same homophobic slur on more than 10 benches at Adams Park.

Anti-Gay Vandalism Found In Adams Park In Wheaton: Reports

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement, "Defacing government owned property as well as a Church with crude, divisive language, as alleged in this case, will not be tolerated not only by my office but by the residents of Wheaton."

Wheaton Police Chief Bill Murphy said, "The City of Wheaton is a welcoming, inclusive community with no tolerance for this type of hate speech. Our police officers and detectives worked swiftly to put an end to these offensive homophobic rants."

After his arrest, Fustar was released on a recognizance bond. He is set to appear in court on Aug. 17.