[PHOTO CREDIT: iStock / LightFieldStudios]
[Original Publish Date: 12/03/19]
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MOUNT DORA, Florida — Five businesses, a train car and a public restroom were vandalized in downtown Mount Dora Saturday afternoon.
According to an arrest affidavit, the owner of the Pineapple Place spotted a woman and a man later identified as Josef Brandt Weiss near a black drawing on the wall. The female was described as possibly white, with black hair, wearing a black shirt with overalls with pens inside the pockets. The witness confronted the pair and they left. The witness pursued and caught Weiss, 20, of Eustis, but the female got away. Police responded and searched Weiss and found permanent markers in various colors, matching the graffiti. He denied the vandalism to police and said he was only a lookout for his girlfriend, but refused to provide information to police about her. After taking a closer look at Weiss’ hands, police noticed he had fresh marks on his hands.
Weiss was charged with criminal mischief and was released from the Lake County jail on $2,000 bond.
Along with the damage at the Pineapple Place, police found graffiti at Magical Meat Boutique, 112 West 3rd Avenue and on the train car it leases, Lake Arms, 112 West 5th Avenue.; Barrel of Books and Games, 128 West 4th Avenue, Papilio, 120 West 5th Avenue and at a women’s public restroom, located at 237 West 4th Avenue. The estimated cost for repairs is $1,300.
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Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing for Lake Legal News in 2010. In addition, she has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, including Nancy Grace and the Greta Van Susteren show, along with her appearance on Evil Twins. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to 352Tips@gmail.com. You can also contact us on our Facebook page — and make sure you “Like” and “Follow us” there. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher]
