Published: November 04, 2009 08:53 pm      

Four juveniles charged in graffiti incident

PALESTINE — Four male juveniles have been charged with spray painting a pair of restrooms last month at Palestine High School.

Three 14-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy were transported to the Anderson County Juvenile Detention Center last week after authorities obtained directives to apprehend from a local justice of the peace, according to local authorities.

Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor said school resource officer and sheriff’s Cpl. Patti Reid initially received the graffiti report on Oct. 22.

“It was reported to Cpl. Reid that two of the (boys’) restrooms at Palestine High School had been spray painted inside with writings and pictures,” Taylor said.

The sheriff said the spray paint was yellow and black. Some of the writings were apparently related to a group of Palestine High School students who associate with one another, he added.

“I don’t consider it a gang,” Taylor said. “I consider it more like a clique.”

The sheriff said the four juveniles -- all of whom are Palestine High School students -- were charged following Reid’s investigation. They were all picked up on directives to apprehend throughout the day on Oct. 29, he added.

Taylor said officials estimated the damage to the school at approximately $1,100.

Graffiti constitutes a state jail felony.

The sheriff said he did not believe there are any additional suspects in the crime.

 ———

Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com