By KATLYN PROCTOR
Eagle Times Associate Editor
and CHRIS FROST
Eagle Times News Editor
NEWPORT, NH — After an exhaustive multi-agency investigation that included the execution of numerous search warrants and witness interviews, four arrests were made in the local vandalism spree dating back to October, including graffiti that was racist and insensitive in nature.
Brandon Teeter, 24, of Newport; Samuel Bathrick, 27, of Claremont; Devin Croteau, 22, of Newport; and Zachery Fuller, 30, of Newport, were arrested and charged with five counts of criminal mischief and five counts of conspiracy. However, the vandalism appears to be racially motivated, with two complaints carrying extended prison sentences due to the discrimination and hostility toward the victim’s race or national origin.
Four of the complaints are Class B felonies because the pecuniary loss from the damage exceeded $1,500. Following their arrest, all four defendants were transported to the Sullivan County House of Corrections pending arraignment in Sullivan Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 19, and Tuesday, Dec. 20.
The Newport Police Department has forwarded the results of its investigation to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Civil Rights Unit to review whether additional civil enforcement action is warranted under the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act.
On Monday, Dec. 19, Superintendent of SAU 43 Donna Magoon sent an email to parents.
“On October 24 and December 8, Newport School District experienced an unfortunate incident of vandalism that targeted our vital transportation resources. The Newport Police Department responded promptly to the situation, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, dedication, and expertise in their investigative work. Their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community is commendable, and we are grateful for their tireless efforts in bringing these individuals to justice,” read Magoon’s email. “The Newport community’s solidarity and cooperation played a pivotal role in the resolution of this case. The outpouring of support from residents, parents, and local businesses reflects the strength of our community bond and commitment to preserving a safe and nurturing environment for our students.”
On the morning of Oct. 24, 2023, the Newport Police Department investigated broken windows and spray-painted graffiti on six Newport School District buses that were parked overnight at the Newport Department of Public Works. The total damage to the six school buses exceeded $100,000.
Again on Oct. 31, 2023, the Newport Police Department received multiple complaints of graffiti vandalism that had occurred during the overnight hours. Responding patrol officers discovered that homes, fences and vehicles had been spray painted with a variety of derogatory terms.
Due to the large number of crime scenes scattered throughout a wide geographical area, the Newport Police Department requested the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police Troop C. Investigators collected physical evidence and conducted numerous neighborhood canvasses to identify potential witnesses or security cameras that may help to identify the perpetrators.
This vandalism spree spread into the neighboring communities of Claremont, Croydon and Springfield.
The Claremont Police Department investigated vandalism to more than a dozen vehicles parked on the property of McGee Mazda on the morning of Nov. 17, 2023, with the vehicles sustaining damage such as slashed tires.
The total damage to the vehicles exceeded $20,000.
Finally, on the morning of Dec. 8, the Newport Police Department investigated additional vandalism to three Newport School District buses that were parked overnight at the Newport Department of Public Works. The school buses sustained additional spray-painted graffiti, some of which appeared on its face to be motivated by hostility towards a person’s race or national origin as defined by the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act.
The Newport Police Department was assisted in these investigations by the Claremont Police Department, the Springfield Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Grafton County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit, and the Newport School District (SAU 43). Investigation into this matter — as well as multiple other reported instances of vandalism over the past nine months — is continuing.
Additional arrests and criminal charges are anticipated.
Anyone with information about these cases is requested to contact Officer Cody Foster at 603-863-3232 or [email protected].
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