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Judge Frees Melissa Farris on Bond, Bars Memorial Access

8/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Melissa L. Farris released on bond but barred from the World War II Memorial.
A judge charged her depredation of veterans’ memorials, felonies a 10-year maximum.
She defaced the Atlantic Theatre Pavilion on Aug. 13 with “Clean hands Dirty $” graffiti, leading U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to deem her a flight risk.
The judge ordered her to surrender her passport, set a Sept. 3 hearing, prompting President Donald Trump to criticize Pirro’s handling.

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Story summary

Melissa L. Farris released on bond but barred from the World War II Memorial.
A judge charged her depredation of veterans’ memorials, felonies a 10-year maximum.
She defaced the Atlantic Theatre Pavilion on Aug. 13 with “Clean hands Dirty $” graffiti, leading U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to deem her a flight risk.
The judge ordered her to surrender her passport, set a Sept. 3 hearing, prompting President Donald Trump to criticize Pirro’s handling.