Trio Of Vandals Arrested For Multiple Acts Of Graffiti: Police

Nassau police arrested three men on Saturday for multiple acts of graffiti throughout the Hempstead area going back to August.

According to police, while on patrol, Hempstead Police officers saw three men spray painting the walls of 40 Main St., a Nassau County government building. The officers arrested Cordaro Jones, 26, of Terrace Avenue, Hempstead; Michael Gentile, 19, of Westgate Drive, Bohemia; and a third juvenile all without incident.

Police say that in investigation found multiple photographs and videos of locations where the trio had used spray paint, markers and stickers to deface property with the words "MAPE," "1999" and "WHITEY." According to police, on Aug. 9, Jones used black paint to mark the rear left quarter panel of marked Nassau County Police Department car that was parked outside of First District Court in Hempstead.

Jones and Gentile are charged with third-degree criminal mischief. Jones was arraigned on Sunday in First District Court in Hempstead. Gentile was released on an appearance ticket returnable to First District Court, and the juvenile was released on a Family Court appearance ticket.

Cordaro Jones, left, and Michael Gentile. Photos courtesy Nassau County Police Department.