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Ivan Nieves, Vandalism, New York 2018
A Bronx man’s reckless act of vandalism has landed him in hot water. Ivan Nieves, a 57-year-old resident of the Bronx, was convicted of writing a threatening racial slur on a sign at the African Burial Ground National Monument in Manhattan.
The defacement occurred on November 1, 2018, when Nieves scrawled ‘Kill N—-rs’ in large bold letters across the face of a signpost entitled ‘A Place of Remembrance.’ The monument commemorates the skeletal remains of approximately 15,000 African slaves who built the early City of New York.
The African Burial Ground National Monument is a sensitive and historic site, and the act of vandalism was met with swift action from authorities. Nieves was subsequently charged with vandalism and disorderly conduct.
According to U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman, ‘The protections of the First Amendment do not extend to defacing federal property. Ivan Nieves was rightly found guilty today for defacing the African Burial Ground National Monument with racial slurs.’
Nieves was found guilty of one count of vandalism, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison. He was acquitted of one count of disorderly conduct. Nieves is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Wang on July 17, 2019, at 11:00 a.m.
The Federal Protective Service, the New York City Police Department Hate Crimes Task Force, and the United States Park Police were commended for their outstanding investigative work in this case. The National Park Service was also praised for its dedication and assistance.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting our nation’s historical sites and the devastating impact of hate crimes.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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