Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Shenandoah Man Admits to Vandalism Spree in the Borough


A Shenandoah man has been charged for a string of vandalism in the borough during the months of September and October.

According to court papers, Janus Zev Miguel Sosa, 22, of Shenandoah was charged on November 8th, 2023, for the vandalism.

According to the documents, a string of vandalism swept through Shenandoah Borough from September 20, 2023, to October 10, 2023, as multiple buildings fell victim to graffiti reading "GLA" or "GLASS," accompanied by the destruction of several surveillance cameras. 

The Shenandoah Borough Police Department received numerous complaints, prompting an intensive investigation with the publishing of photos from several cameras across social media and the press.

On October 19, 2023, at around 1:00pm, Janus Sosa voluntarily presented himself at the Shenandoah Police Station. 

Police requested an interview with SOSA based on evidence gathered from various residents within the borough, consisting of pictures and videos.

Initially denying any involvement with the spray-painting incidents, Sosa later admitted responsibility upon being presented with incriminating evidence. He confessed to being the sole perpetrator behind the "GLA" or "GLASS" graffiti and the defacement of surveillance cameras throughout the borough. 

SOSA expressed willingness to reimburse for damages and undertake the necessary cleanup. He also provided a written statement.

The extent of the vandalism included incidents:
  • the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, which reported red "GLASS" graffiti on a garage door on September 20, 2023, and later, on October 8, 2023, faced additional damage costing $1,300.00 to repair.
  • Home on Atlantic Street: $311.00 in damages
  • Home on West Atlantic Street: $105.00 in damages
  • Home on South West Street: $120.00 in damages
  • Oravitz Funeral Home: $100.00 in damages
  • Polish American Fire Company: $310.00 in damages
The fallout continued as Johnny Saxx Party Rentals reported damage to a tent sidewall at the Polish American Fire Company fundraiser on October 1, 2023, incurring a cost of $238.99 for a replacement.

On October 8, 2023, a property owner on West Oak Street, with a ring doorbell camera and mailbox spray-painted over, costing approximately $60.00 to repair.

Finally, on October 10, 2023, the Shenandoah Hi-Rise bore the "GLA" emblem in red, white, and black, resulting in $200.00 worth of damages, as reported by Schuylkill County Housing Authority officials.

The cumulative damage caused by the "GLA" vandalism spree amounted to $2,644.99.

Shenandoah Police Officers Mark Hysock and Cody Applegate filed the above charges against Sosa on November 8th, 2023.

Sosa is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker on December 14th, 2023 for a preliminary hearing.