A federal judge in Washington ruled Tuesday that Melissa L. Farris, the woman facing felony charges in connection with damage done to the World War II Memorial, will remain free, but under strict conditions, while her case proceeds.
The Aug. 13 vandalism incident saw the memorial’s fountains filled with bubbles and a message scrawled on one of its surfaces: “Clean hands Dirty $.”
Farris, a Kentucky resident, turned herself in to the Alexandria courthouse the next day, on Aug. 14. U.S.
Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro announced that her office was filing two felony charges against Farris that same Friday morning in a brief statement.
During a hearing Tuesday morning, there was discussion over the return of Farris’ belongings, including her cellphone and inhaler. It comes as Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ordered her to return to her family in Ohio by Thursday.
Farris’ public defender said her lack of inhaler required Farris to be hospitalized Monday night.
Judge Sharbaugh said he will give the government until Wednesday to explain why Farris can’t have her belongings — including her phone — returned.
