Librarian Vandalizes Libraries In Prince George's County, Faces Charges: Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A Maryland school librarian has been arrested and charged with hate crimes for vandalizing two public libraries in Prince George's County, authorities said.

The incidents happened at the Greenbelt Branch Library on June 4 and the New Carrollton Branch Library on June 5, according to a Prince George's County Police news release.

According to police, the suspect, Charles Sutherland, 30, of Takoma Park, spraypainted the word "groomer" on the outside of both libraries.

"Groomer" is a buzzword increasingly used in conservative media and online sites to characterize LGBTQ+ people as pedophiles or child abusers. Health researchers say the label is false and is rooted in anti-gay movements.

Sutherland has been charged with two counts of malicious destruction of property and multiple hate crimes related to defacing the building. He has confessed to the incidents, police said.

Sutherland works as a librarian at Northview Elementary in Bowie, WTOP reported. Prince George’s County Public Schools System says he is now on administrative leave.

In a statement Thursday, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said anyone who “violates the right of another individual to live freely will be appropriately charged and prosecuted by my office.”

Prince George’s County libraries spokesperson Nicholas Alexander Brown told WTOP that the library “vehemently condemns the defacement of its buildings.”

“The library will not waiver in its commitment to maintaining welcoming spaces to LGBTQ+ customers and their allies,” Brown added.

Anyone with information about Sutherland is asked to call police at 301-699-2601.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com.