Crime & Safety

Cops: Town Employee Spray-Painted Town Building

Marijuana was also found in William P. Link's work vehicle.

An employee has been charged with defacing the newly built town beach bathrooms in Montauk, and a phone number.

William P. Link, 53, of East Hampton, was arrested on May 6 at 4:25 p.m., said on Monday. Police also said that during a search of both his personal and town-owned work vehicle, a small amount of marijuana and a smoking device were discovered.

Officers on patrol had discovered the graffiti on the exterior walls of the comfort station near on the morning of April 30. "An investigation into the matter was undertaken by EHTPD detective division which resulted in several pieces of evidence being developed/collected," police said in a statement. "A subsequent interview of the defendant revealed that he had carried out the act independently," they said.

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Link was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, a felony because the damage was reportedly more than $250 and making graffiti, a misdemeanor. He was also charged with two counts of unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.

Supervisor Bill Wilkinson declined to comment on the arrest. "I do not comment on personnel matters," he said.

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Earlier this month, Chief Ed Ecker said of the graffiti "There was no profanity, nothing derogatory," adding, “But this graffiti actually pointed at a person, which we’re investigating.”

The East Hampton Town Board held an executive session on the matter, after which he called the incident "truly unfortunate."

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.


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