Federal prosecutors have filed two felony charges against a Kentucky woman linked to vandalism at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The charges stem from an incident in which spray paint was discovered on the landmark near the National Mall.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the case on Friday, identifying the defendant as a resident of Kentucky. Authorities did not release her name at the time of the announcement, citing the ongoing investigation.
The vandalism was reported earlier this week when National Park Service rangers found markings on the memorial’s granite surfaces. Cleanup crews were dispatched to remove the paint, and the site was reopened to the public within hours.
Court documents allege that the woman used spray paint to deface the memorial, which honors the 16 million Americans who served during World War II. The charges include destruction of federal property and defacing a public monument, both felonies under federal law.
If convicted, the woman could face up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching $250,000. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the FBI’s field office in Louisville.
The incident has drawn attention from veterans’ groups and lawmakers, who have called for swift prosecution. Officials have not yet determined a motive for the vandalism, and the investigation remains active.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for later this month, where the defendant will appear before a federal magistrate judge. Until then, she has been released on her own recognizance, according to court records.
This case marks a rare instance of charges filed for damage to a war memorial in Washington, which typically sees low levels of vandalism due to increased security. Federal officials have urged the public to report any suspicious activity near national monuments.
