Arson, Criminal Mischief as a Hate Crime Arrest-
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on March 9, 2020, deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested Trenton Z. Storms, age 19, of State Route 415, Campbell, New York.
On March 9th, 2020, Deputies responded to the Town of Campbell to investigate multiple reports of vandalism, some containing racial epithets, and arson. Deputies and Investigators observed two areas of burnt grass, destroyed grave markers, spray painted signs, roadway, bridges and vehicles. Some items were spray painted with racial symbols and epithets, as well as other symbols and letters. It is alleged that Mr. Storms intentionally damaged property of another and did so as a hate crime. Mr. Storms was charged with Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree as a Hate Crime, five counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Cemetery Desecration and Arson in the Fifth Degree. Mr. Storms was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Campbell Town Court at a later date.
Future arrests are expected in this case.
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Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on March 12, 2020, deputies of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office arrested George M. Berne, age 56, of Victory Highway, Painted Post, New York. Deputies had been notified of a vehicle allegedly leaving the scene of a collision in the Town of Bath. Deputies observed a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle, with front end damage, operating at an extremely high rate of speed on State Route 415 in Campbell. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, which then accelerated to an even higher speed and collided with a guide rail on State Route 415 in the Town of Campbell, coming to a stop due to vehicular damage. It is alleged that Mr. Berne recklessly operated the vehicle while in an intoxicated condition. Mr. Berne was charged with Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a Class D Felony, Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, Driving While Intoxicated and Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content Greater than .08%. Mr. Berne was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released.
