Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – A Buffalo, New York, woman is facing multiple charges after photos posted on Facebook helped identify her as the person who stole and vandalized political yard signs at a Russell home in September.
According to Warren-based Pennsylvania State Police, Lourdes Vera, 30 of Buffalo, approached a Russell home at approximately 5:20 p.m. Sept. 6 and vandalized a 3 x 5 Trump sign. Vera then went on to remove four Trump yard signs from the property, police say.
A trail camera mounted on the property captured images of the vandalism and were shared on Facebook, police say. The Facebook post was shared more than 3,000 times and Vera was identified through the Facebook post, police say. Police then went on to verify Vera’s identity through the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center, which resulted in an interview.
Damage to the large sign was valued at $76.95 and the total value of the removed signs was $40.27.
A criminal complaint was filed through Magisterial District Judge Laura Bauer’s office which charged Vera with Theft, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief.
