Date of Release: May 18, 2008

Reference: Subject arrested for vandalizing public art project

On Sunday May 18, 2008 at 1:05 AM Portsmouth Police arrested the following subject for Felony level Criminal Mischief;

THEODORE MOTTOLA
DOB: 6/20/81
68 MCDONOUGH STREET
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Portsmouth Police responded to the area of Market Square after a witness reported seeing Mottola climbing on top of an eight foot steel ant that was recently placed downtown as part of a public art initiative. Officers spoke with the witness who identified Mattola, who was still on scene. The witness saw Mottola on top of the ant and subsequently damage the head.

After an investigation by Portsmouth Police Mottola was placed under arrest for Criminal Mischief. Due to the monetary value of the art project the crime was classified as a Felony. Mottola was processed at Portsmouth Police Headquarters and released on $750 personal recognizance bail with a date to appear in Portsmouth District Court on Monday June 16th, 2008.

The steel ant is one of several art pieces that will be on display in the downtown area until late summer.

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