Crime & Safety
Swastika Graffiti Results In Hate Crimes Charges: Police
Suffolk cops say the hate symbol, as well as "other hate messages," were found on a building last week.
PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY — A homeless man has been charged with a hate crime after making graffiti that included a swastika in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk police said Wednesday.
Graffiti, including a swastika "and other hate messages," were found on a building located on Route 112 at about 8 a.m. on March 4, said police, adding, that officers "found similar graffiti" on a kiosk near the Greenway Trail the following day at about 12 p.m. on March 5.
Hate Crimes Unit detectives arrested Carl Vario for the graffiti just before 2 p.m. Wednesday following an investigation, according to police.
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Vario, 51, was charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated harassment, and two counts of making graffiti. He is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on March 29.
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