MONTICELLO – Monticello Police have made two arrests in the rash of gang related graffiti, which occurred during the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 10.  A total of 14 separate locations, including postal vehicles, were vandalized with spray painted graffiti.

Arrested and charged with felony criminal mischief in the second degree and misdemeanors for making graffiti and possession of graffiti instruments were Anthony Laudadio, 19, of Monticello, and Joseph Koelpin, 19, of White Sulphur Springs.

Laudadio, who was already wanted by Monticello Police on a bench warrant for aggravated unlicensed operation in the in the third degree, was spotted by Sgt. Mark Johnstone and Police Officer David Weiner on Forestburg Road Thursday afternoon.  Laudadio attempted to run from officers when he was advised he was under arrest on the warrant, but was chased down and arrested.

While being processed at police headquarters, Laudadio threatened and physically obstructed officers during processing resulting in charges of resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.

Police observed the clothing worn by Laudadio matched video surveillance footage of one of the four suspects who had spray painted graffiti on the front of the Vino bar on Broadway.

Investigation resulted in Laudadio and Koelpin being identified and charged in the graffiti incidents.

Police expect to make at least two more arrests in the investigation.

Federal charges may also be lodged for vandalism done to the postal vehicles.