Bath police charge man in graffiti case

BATH — Bath police have charged a 25-year-old Phippsburg man in connection with a recent string of graffiti incidents around the city.

Detective Jason Aucoin issued a summons Friday to Michael A. Burpee on a felony charge of aggravated criminal mischief, alleging he spray-painted graffiti on public and private property.

Authorities said the charge was aggravated because the total damages exceeded $2,000.

The graffiti featured colorful drawings of hearts and shapes along with messages such as “spread love, not hate,” police said.

It was found on utility control boxes, downtown businesses, local schools and other locations outside Bath.

“Though these messages are positive and the drawings artistic, the method used, spray-painted graffiti on other people’s property, is a criminal act,” Police Chief Andrew Booth said in a statement.

“It caused the city and property owners to expend considerable time and resources to remove and repair.”

Sgt. Dan Couture and other Bath officers assisted in the investigation, following leads from the public that helped locate and contact Burpee.

Authorities said he cooperated with the investigation.

Burpee is scheduled to appear in West Bath Unified Criminal Court on April 15.