Crime & Safety
Vandalism Spree Suspects Set for Trial
Two of the alleged vandals are set to face a judge come late January of next year.
Roberts Ridge Park vandalism suspects Colin O'Neill and Jacob Grussenmeyer waived their right to a formal arraignment in front of a judge in Doylestown Friday.
Colin O'Neill, 19, of Washington Crossing, and, 20, of Northampton Township, will face a judge when their trial begins at county court in Doylestown on January 26, 2012.
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Both men are facing several charges, including felony conspiracy and criminal mischief to a public building. If found guilty, the two could face several years in jail and be forced to pay pricey fines.
According to court records, O'Neill is free on bail and Grussenmeyer sits in county jail. Grussenmeyer is also facing charges related to an April 2011 burglary in Buckingham Township.
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O’Neill and Grussenmeryer, along with , who has a formal arraignment for similar charges on Dec. 30, and an unnamed 17-year-old are accused of causing nearly $20,000 worth of damage to the Newtown park in May.
The members of the group admitted their part in vandalism during the investigation, Newtown Township police .
During the vandalism spree, authoritites allege the group kicked more than 30 holes in the wall of a eco-friendly bathroom, shattered solar panels, caused extensive damage to a pavilion structure, bent sitting benches, emptied trashcans onto the ground and left broken glass littering the township-owned park and playground facility.
Images of the aftermath shocked the Newtown community and were featured on several Philadelphia television news broadcasts.
