Malliotakis Calls for Federal Prosecution of Post Office Vandal

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis today released the following statement after the individual responsible for vandalizing the Great Kills Post Office boxes was arrested:

"Following yesterday’s vandalism of post office boxes at the Great Kills Post Office, I contacted both the United States Postal Service as well as the NYPD so the boxes could be repainted and the perp pursued. I'm thankful to the NYPD for the quick apprehension of the vandal responsible for this graffiti who has also been previously arrested for defacing other businesses and neighborhoods across Staten Island. We urge the District Attorney to prosecute him to the fullest extent, and would like to see the U.S. Department of Justice prosecute him federally as well, as it’s a felony to willfully damage government property under 18 U.S.C. § 1361. Graffiti not only diminishes the quality of life for all residents, but if gone unpunished, will eventually lead to more serious acts of vandalism and disorder in our community. We continue to work with our government partners to have the boxes restored to their original condition and ensure other acts of vandalism are deterred through strong enforcement and greater vigilance."