2 Teens Charged After Spray-Painting Racist Symbols In Metro Detroit: Prosecutor

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI — Two teens have been charged after prosecutors said they spray-painted offensive graffiti across Sterling Heights.

Michael Walker, of Nampa, Idaho, was charged with four counts of malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, two counts of conspiracy to commit malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, and a count of carrying a concealed weapon. Each charge is a five-year felony.

He was placed in jail with a $75,000 bond.

Benjamin Parris, of Greenville, S.C., was charged with two counts of malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 and two counts of conspiracy to commit malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.

He was also placed in jail and given a $100,000 bond.

Prosecutors said Walker and Parris spray-painted nine swastikas, the number "88," "National Socialism is the way," and "HEIL" on a fence outside a home in the area of M-53 and Canal Road last Sunday.

In addition, officers also found swastikas, antisemitic slogans and vulgarity spray-painted on the concrete pillars of an underpass of M-53 and Canal, the brick wall near the property of a business and the electrical box at a second business, prosecutors said.

Officers found the two men in a nearby commercial parking lot with cans of spray paint. They also said Walker had a knife.

"It is concerning when disturbing messages deface public and private property. My office will prosecute those alleged to have committed these crimes and will remain vigilant in protecting the citizens of Macomb County," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.