Man arrested for vandalizing political sign

Last night, 65 year-old Steven V Paskiewich, who resides at 4 Rocking Lane in Palm Coast, learned that if you don’t like a candidate for political office, you do not have the right to spray-paint obscenities on his campaign signs — you do have the right to vote against him, but you have to register to vote, first.

Detective Brian Finn observed Paskiewich on SR-100 in Palm Coast at the intersection with Belle Terre Parkway. Finn reported that at about 8:30 p.m., Paskiewich was standing next to a political sign belonging to Trey Corbett; a candidate for Flagler County Supervisor of Elections.

The Corbett sign had been vandalized with black paint — the word “asshole” written across the front.

Finn followed and observed Paskiewich make his way to the next intersection along SR-100; at Seminole Woods Parkway. When Paskiewich stepped out of his vehicle, pulled out a paint can, and then spray the obscenity on the Corbett sign there, Finn approached him.

Finn identified himself and confiscated the can of black gloss spray-paint. He placed Paskiewich under arrest; charged with two counts of criminal mischief.

Paskiewich and his vehicle were searched and, prior to being transported to the Flagler County Inmate Facility, deputies discovered a firearm with ammunition in Paskiewich’s vehicle.

After being processed by the booking officer at the jail, Paskiewich posted a $500 appearance bond and then was released.

“Nearly every election, regardless of whether it’s state or local, we receive complaints of political signs being vandalized. It is difficult to make an arrest unless a deputy actually sees the vandalism occurring and in this case, that is exactly what happened and an arrest was made,” said Flagler County Sheriff Donald W. Fleming. “We will continue to be vigilant in protecting these signs.”

Historic City News checked the records of Flagler County Supervisor Kimberle B. Weeks, as well as St Johns County Supervisor Vicky Oakes. Ironically, we find no record of Paskiewich being registered to vote in either county.