Gerard Richard Lee, Federal Building Vandalism, MA 2020

BOSTON – A 70-year-old Boston man is facing federal charges after allegedly defacing the JFK Federal Building with hateful graffiti, including prominently displayed swastikas. The incident, which occurred on Friday, August 28, 2020, has sparked outrage and a swift response from federal authorities.

Gerard Richard Lee, of Boston, was arrested Friday and charged by criminal complaint with one count of injuring or depredating government property. Witnesses reportedly observed Lee actively spray-painting the symbols onto an air intake stack of the building. The specifics of the vandalism were enough to trigger a federal investigation and immediate arrest.

According to charging documents, a police officer witnessed Lee in the act. The brazen nature of the crime – the use of hateful symbols on a federal building – immediately escalated the situation beyond a simple vandalism case. Authorities are not currently commenting on Lee’s possible motive, but the use of swastikas points to a clear intent to intimidate and incite hatred.

If convicted, Lee faces a hefty penalty. The charging statute carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He could also be fined up to $250,000. However, sentencing will ultimately be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Timothy Bane, Regional Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service, jointly announced the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine, of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit, is leading the prosecution. The federal government is taking this act of vandalism seriously, sending a clear message that hate-fueled crimes will not be tolerated.

It’s crucial to remember that the details outlined in the criminal complaint represent allegations at this stage. Gerard Richard Lee is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. We will be in the courtroom when Lee makes his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Dein this afternoon.