Two individuals, Trystan Zimmerman, 25, and Sophia Brandt, 19, have been charged with a series of vandalism and thefts across Cumberland County, including the drawing of swastikas on children’s toys at a Target store and the burglary of local churches. According to ABC27, the pair allegedly caused over $2,000 worth of damage by using a black marker to draw swastikas and vulgarities at the South Middleton Township Target.
Authorities say the targeted vandalism spree happened around 8 p.m. on September 12. Police also tied the duo to the burglary of three churches, where they are accused of having stolen money and, in one instance, utilized a fire axe to break in, although they failed actually to take any items. The accused have been charged with ethnic intimidation and a litany of other offenses. "Both of them are also being charged with burglary, institutional vandalism, attempted theft, and criminal mischief for the church burglaries," ABC27 reported.
Zimmerman and Brandt are believed to be involved in similar crimes in the area. Police have encouraged anyone with information to come forward, and community members can contact Pennsylvania State Police in Carlisle at 717-249-2121, as per the advice detailed by Local21News. No fixed address was available for the accused, but court documents listed their respective addresses in Annville and Gardners.
