Concord Man, 2 Others Arrested On Anti-Mask Vandalism Charges

CONCORD, NH — Three New Hampshire men are facing criminal mischief charges after posting anti-mask wearing stickers all over Manchester's city hall in early February.

According to police, officers were sent to city hall in Manchester on Feb. 2 for a report of stickers stuck on doors, trash cans, traffic light sign poles, and other areas, criticizing mask mandates.

"Some of the messages made reference to living in fear, citizens being controlled, and masks being a sign of cowardice," Heather Hamel, the public information officer for the Manchester Police Department, said. "Not only were the stickers inappropriate, but very difficult to remove."

Security video surveillance footage of the area was used to build a case against three suspects: Skylar Bennett, 38, of Concord, Frank Staples, 41, of Manchester, and Jason Gerhard, 35, of Northfield. Warrants were then issued for their arrests on a single count of criminal mischief each. Bennett and Staples turned themselves in to the police on Friday. Gerhard was arrested by Manchester police on Sunday. They were processed and released on personal recognizance bail.

Bennett, according to police in Concord, has been arrested in the past on driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent and suspension of vehicle registration charges as well as a bench warrant. He was arrested by New Hampshire State Police in October 20202 on driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent charge and bench warrants, reckless operation, driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent, and suspension of vehicle registration charges in Merrimack by state police in July 2020. Bennett was actively involved in a recent protest outside of Gov. Chris Sununu's home last year. He was arrested on criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by Manchester Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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