Judge orders release of woman charged with vandalizing World War II memorial

Melissa L. Farris.

A federal judge ordered a 41-year-old Kentucky woman who was arrested last week and charged with felony vandalism of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., to be released from government custody while awaiting trial, prompting pushback from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, whose office is prosecuting the case.

According to the New York Times, Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh ordered Melissa L. Farris to stay out of Washington, D.C., and away from the World War II Memorial as conditions of her release. Other conditions included Farris surrendering her passport and agreeing to attend federal pretrial proceedings in Ohio. Sharbaugh stopped short of forcing Farris to wear an electronic monitoring device, which federal prosecutors have since requested. Under the terms of her release, Farris would be allowed to leave the continental U.S., but would need to obtain court permission first, according to NBC News. 

Pirro sharply criticized the decision in a statement, saying, “If anyone is a flight risk, it is certainly her,” she said. Prosecutors in her office filed a motion contesting the judge's decision, saying Farris had searched online for bus and airline tickets on the same day the vandalism occurred. They also argued she has no ties to the nation's capital, lacks a fixed residence and has previously failed to show up for a court appearance. 

When announcing the charges last week, Pirro said, “Vandalizing our World War II Memorial is a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom." Farris could face up to 10 years in prison for each felony offense. She has yet to enter a plea. Farris is accused of posting videos of herself on social media spray-painting graffiti that read "Clean Hands Dirty $" in red and green paint on the World War II Memorial, and dumping soap into the adjoining fountain, causing an eruption of bubbles. 

A preliminary hearing is scheduled ​for September 3, NBC News reported. Below, watch a short clip for more on the story.