Woman accused of WWII Memorial vandalism pleads not guilty

Published September 21, 2026 3:34pm ET | Updated September 21, 2026 3:34pm ET




A Kentucky woman accused of vandalizing the World War II Memorial with spray paint pleaded not guilty Monday to two felony counts, shortly before she was released on her own personal recognizance despite prosecutors previously deeming her a flight risk.

Melissa Farris, 41 of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, entered the pleas before U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, according to a court minute entry. She is charged with destruction of a veteran’s memorial and destruction of government property.

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