Sharon man sentenced after vandalizing Kelly’s Hermitage office
The Sharon man who vandalized Rep. Mike Kelly’s newest district office in Hermitage will serve two years probation as the result of a Thursday, Aug. 14, ruling.
Joe Monte Lemons, 46, was also sentenced to pay $500 in fines and $250 in restitution to Kelly’s office, which serves Butler County, by Senior District Judge Ron Antos.
“We are pleased to see a quick and just resolution to the case,” said spokesperson Matthew Knoedler on Kelly’s behalf. “Our Hermitage office remains open, and our staff remains dedicated to assisting constituents every day.”
Lemons previously pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count each of criminal mischief and harassment. Hermitage City Police charged Lemons on July 28 after he admitted to the act and provided the materials he used.
According to charging documents, Lemons visited the Hermitage office at 3877 E. State St. around 8:40 p.m. July 25 when no staff members were present. He covered the windows in fliers held by blue painters tape and messages in red paint associating the GOP with rape, racism and cover-ups.
“We can’t tolerate public officials’ offices being vandalized,” said Mercer County District Attorney Peter C. Acker in a Friday interview.
The Hermitage office opened in mid-June as Kelly’s team moved from the office’s location in Sharon for improved accessibility.
“Moving our Sharon office to Hermitage allows us to better serve our constituents by offering enhanced accessibility, more parking and improved meeting space,” Kelly said in a June 16 news release. “No one should have to travel far to get the help they need with a federal agency, and my team and I are committed to keeping this promise.”
At the scene, police spoke with the manager of a nearby business who reported the vandalism. He said he saw a man, later identified as Lemons, wearing all black clothing.
The manager eventually realized the act was vandalism and contacted the plaza’s property manager, police said.
The next day, police responded to an area restaurant to follow up on reports the alleged vandal was an employee. Police found Lemons’ vehicle outside and while waiting for backup, Lemons exited the restaurant.
Police said Lemons admitted to the vandalism and said he did not leave any threatening messages and he used paint that would come off with warm, soapy water.
Kelly represents District 16 which includes Butler, Lawrence, Erie, Mercer and Crawford counties and parts of Venango County.
