Rash of vandalism incidents results in multiple charges for Merrill man

By MMC Staff

MERRILL – An 18-year-old Merrill man has been released from custody on $12,000 signature bond and is facing numerous charges related to a rash of vandalism incidents across Lincoln County, dating as far back as January.

Matthew D. Peterson made an initial appearance in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Sept. 29, facing 14 counts of misdemeanor criminal damage to property and 10 counts of misdemeanor bail jumping. In addition to being released on bond, Peterson was also ordered to follow a daily curfew of 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Peterson

Peterson is due back in court on Wednesday, Nov. 18 for a status conference.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday, Sept. 28 that one person had been arrested and three others were to be summoned on criminal charges “resulting from a month’s long investigation into multiple cases of criminal damage to property in and around the City of Merrill.”

“The incidents began in January when several young adults targeted both private and public property by spray painting symbols and vulgarities,” the release stated.

Peterson’s name was released by the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

In total, 17 separate cases were investigated.

The damage began in the Town of Pine River and continued to Council Grounds State Park, occurring on multiple occasions.

The charges being sought do include some damage that was done to the area in Merrill known as the River Bend Trail. Additional damage on the trail, which includes broken lights, is still considered an open case. Merrill officers are seeking any additional leads.

An investigator with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the case in September and soon developed leads as to the suspects. The Sheriff’s Office investigator conducted interviews, viewed surveillance cameras and obtained confessions, which led to numerous criminal charges which to be filed with the Lincoln County District Attorney.

Road signs, bridges and other property in Lincoln County had been defaced with spray paint, depicting swastikas, vulgar language and crude images.

Investigators with the Merrill Police Department developed early leads in the incidents and assisted as the interviews with the suspects and witnesses were conducted.

Other suspects include a Merrill man, 19, being summoned on five counts of criminal damage to property; a Merrill woman, 18, being summoned on three counts of criminal damage to property; and a Merrill woman, 20, being summoned on three counts of criminal damage to property

The lead deputy in the case expects the number of charges may increase as all cases are consolidated between the agencies.

The identities of the other individuals mentioned in the press release, have yet to be released.