BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) Town of Lancaster Police have charged 20-year old Michael Stasiuk in connection with the vandalism of Russell Salvatore’s Patriots and Heroes Park in early March.
"We had filed charges in the case a month ago, said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn. "But the suspect has been undergoing treatment at ECMC ever since the incident. We were waiting for him to get out of ECMC. He was released Wednesday and Town of Lancaster Police brought him immediately before the town judge and he was arraigned on three counts."
Stasiuk is charged with criminal mischief, petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.
"You might be wondering why it's only petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property," said Flynn. "The problem here is that the artwork and sculptures that Mr. Salvatore had, are so unique and one of a kind, that you can't really put a price tag on it, so for now it's just a misdemeanor on stolen property." He added that he is charged with a felony on the actual destruction of property.
"That's what upsets me, and most veterans," Flynn said. "The destruction of the property."
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Statues, light fixtures and displays paying tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Battle of the Bulge were destroyed in the incident.
Going forward, Flynn said he needs to make sure that Stasiuk gets a fair trial and that he understands the proceedings that are going on.
Stasiuk was arrested via old fashioned police work according to the DA. "There was video from the scene. There were also rumors in town about who might have done this. Lancaster Police did a great job of putting it together."
Further proceedings in the case are set for May 11.
Russell Salvatore said he is grateful for the outpouring from the community. He is planning to restore the park and make improvements with a ribbon cutting expected on Flag Day, June 14.