From Local Sources

JASPER — The Jasper Police Department says a juvenile and an adult will be charged in connection with recent vandalism at Hometown IGA and Walmart Supercenter.

The vandalism involved public and private property: buildings, sidewalks, a sign and benches defaced with spray painted messages related to George Floyd’s death and the resulting nationwide protests. The reports of the defacing started Thursday evening at the 15th Street entrance to the Riverwalk. Additional vandalism was found and reported Tuesday morning at Walmart, the Hometown IGA and on the Riverwalk near the River Centre.

Jasper police report making arrests Tuesday evening “holding two individuals accountable for their criminal acts against IGA on Second Street and Walmart on North Newton Street in Jasper.”

Police say a 17-year-old male juvenile was referred to the Juvenile Probation Office for an offense that would be two misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief.

Morgan P. Decker, 20, 3393 Fox Ridge Drive, Jasper, was also charged in connection with the IGA and Walmart vandalisms, police said, adding she was not present during the criminal acts but had purchased the spray paint for the juvenile while knowing it was going to be used for vandalism.

Decker was charged with misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to police.

Authorities said the pair is not believed to have been associated with the Riverwalk incidents, which are still under investigation.

In a media release, Jasper police thanked the public for “all the support and assistance in solving two of the four reported cases.”

Anyone with information regarding the Riverwalk vandalisms is asked to call Jasper Police at 812-482-2255 or the anonymous tip line: 812-481-COPS.