Judge frees Kentucky woman charged with WWII Memorial vandalism

A federal judge in Washington ordered the release of Melissa Farris, a 41-year-old Kentucky resident arrested last week on two felony counts for vandalizing the World War Two Memorial. The memorial’s fountain was covered in suds and the phrase “Clean hands Dirty $” was spray-painted in red and green, footage of which Farris posted to Facebook while calling herself a “pirate captain” and saying the stunt was meant to spotlight alleged misuse of tax dollars.

The judge imposed conditions that she surrender her passport and remain within the continental United States unless the court approves travel. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro denounced the release, arguing Farris poses a flight risk and asked the Justice Department to seek a reversal. The Justice Department has formally requested reconsideration of the order. A preliminary hearing on the charges is scheduled for September 3.