Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis has called for federal prosecution following the arrest of an individual accused of vandalizing post office boxes at the Great Kills Post Office. The congresswoman expressed her gratitude to the NYPD for swiftly apprehending the suspect, who has a history of defacing businesses and neighborhoods across Staten Island.

In her statement, Malliotakis urged local authorities to prosecute the individual fully and suggested that the U.S. Department of Justice should also consider federal charges. She cited 18 U.S.C. § 1361, which makes it a felony to willfully damage government property.

"Following yesterday’s vandalism of post office boxes at the Great Kills Post Office, I contacted both the United States Postal Service as well as the NYPD so the boxes could be repainted and the perp pursued," Malliotakis stated. "I'm thankful to the NYPD for the quick apprehension of the vandal responsible for this graffiti who has also been previously arrested for defacing other businesses and neighborhoods across Staten Island."

Malliotakis emphasized that graffiti diminishes residents' quality of life and warned that unpunished acts could lead to more serious crimes in their community. "Graffiti not only diminishes the quality of life for all residents, but if gone unpunished, will eventually lead to more serious acts of vandalism and disorder in our community," she said.

The congresswoman noted ongoing efforts with government partners to restore damaged property and deter future acts through enforcement and vigilance.

"We continue to work with our government partners to have the boxes restored to their original condition and ensure other acts of vandalism are deterred through strong enforcement and greater vigilance," she concluded.