Police warn defacing signs a serious crime
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

PHOTO BY ROB PRICE Pictured above, an anti-Wal-Mart sign was spray-painted last week in an act Bath police Chief David Rouse warns could lead to criminal charges.

BATH - Bath police Chief David Rouse last week warned individuals caught defacing signs as part of the growing controversy over a proposed Wal-Mart super store face serious charges and penalties.

Rouse told The Courier anti-Wal-Mart signs have been the primary target, with some being stolen and others spray-painted or otherwise damaged.

Many of the signs are located on private property, and tampering with them could lead to a conviction of trespassing. Related penalties include 15 days in jail and/or and $250 fine.

Stealing a sign could lead to a conviction of petit larceny, Rouse added, while defacement could result in a fourth degree criminal mischief charge. Both are Class A misdemeanors and carry penalties of one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

"We expect our citizens to be able to freely express themselves," Rouse said in a prepared release, "but expression must be within the confines of law and must also be done while respecting the views, opinions and property of others that we may not agree with."

More than 100 area residents attended a recent meeting of the Bath town planning board and registered their opinions both in favor of and opposed to a Wal-Mart superstore. The 150,000 square foot center would be located on state Route 54 near the intersection with Mt. Washington Road.

The planning board is serving as lead agent in a statemandated environmental impact study.

Supporters of the Wal-Mart superstore say its presence in the Bath area would improve shopping conditions. Opponents warn the store could force other retail business to close and would disrupt the rural character of central Steuben County.