Mercer Island teen vandals reportedly behind racist graffiti avoid conviction with diversion program

Two teenage boys who police say are responsible for vandalizing a Mercer Island middle school with antisemitic and offensive graffiti will now participate in a court-ordered “diversion program.”

On New Year’s Day, the 16-year-old suspects allegedly trespassed on Islander Middle School’s property and defaced numerous windows and exterior walls with antiSemitic symbols and phrases, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO).

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Mercer Island community outraged

Mercer Island community leaders were understandable outrage. They issued a joint public release on Jan. 2.

“This abhorrent act of hate is not only a violation of our community’s shared values, but an attack on the principles of inclusion, respect, and safety that we work every day to uphold in our community. As school superintendent, school principals, city manager and chief of police of Mercer Island, we condemn this hateful anti-Semitic and racist act,” the statement read.

Mercer Island Police say they identified the boys on Jan. 10.

One 16-year-old was arrested but later released to his parents, while the other lived out of state. The case was then referred to the KCPAO to determine whether or not charges would be filed. 

Instead of jail time, KCPAO said the juveniles were sentenced to a diversion program to promote healing in the community and potentially avoid a conviction.

“Under Washington state law, if charged through traditional prosecution these teens would be statutorily eligible for deferred dispositions—a sentencing alternative that allows juvenile offenders to avoid a conviction if they comply with court-ordered conditions. Given the nature of the offense, their lack of criminal history, and other factors, a traditional prosecution would not likely result in a lasting criminal record, nor would it provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between the offenders and the affected community,” KCPAO said in a recent press release.

Why a diversion program?

Prosecutors noted that after speaking with the local Jewish community, police and the school district, they helped find a mutually beneficial solution.

As part of the diversion program, the teens will meet with members of the affected community, including those from the Jewish community, to better understand the impact of their actions in a meaningful and educational way.

If the teens fail to meet requirements set by their juvenile probation counselor, the case will be reconsidered for potential new charges.

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