Officials: 2 men charged with graffiti hate crimes

Westchester County authorities say two 23-year-old men were charged Wednesday with crimes involving racist graffiti at a local park.

News 12 Staff

May 27, 2020, 8:58 PM

Updated 1,564 days ago

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Westchester County authorities say two 23-year-old men were charged Wednesday with crimes involving racist graffiti at a local park.
Nodar Kikvidize, of Bronxville, and Joseph Hasselt, of Yonkers, were handed two felonies and a misdemeanor for allegedly spray-painting a swastika and racist language targeting many ethnic groups.
One of the suspects left a wallet at the scene, aiding police with a swift arrest on Tuesday. The detainment came only one day after police were notified about the graffiti.
Local officials remind people to report such crimes immediately, saying in part, “If you see it on the street, say something. If you hear it at work, say something…stand up for your fellow Americans."
At the moment, the motive is unclear and the case remains under investigation.
News 12 is told both men have been released and are expected to appear in court in July.