Five teenagers have been linked to a number of recent vandalisms in the City of Aiken, including spray painting a dozen or more profanities at South Aiken High School last month during a teacher furlough day.
Two of the five suspects charged are juveniles and will not be publicly identified by Aiken Public Safety.
The younger two boys are 13 and 16, police said.
The other three suspects were arrested Monday and taken to the Aiken County detention center.
Andrew D. Meisenheimer, 18, of Crawford Avenue in Aiken, is charged with three counts of illegal graffiti/vandalism.
Nickalas R. Myers, 17, of Hobcaw Court, is charged with two counts of illegal graffiti/vandalism.
Landon J. Yarosh, 17, of Lyon Drive, is charged with two counts of illegal graffiti/vandalism.
In addition to the high school, police have connected the suspects to spray paint vandalisms at Target, Aldi and Reid's. The damages at the high school alone have totaled in excess of $1,700.
"The court can issue restitution," said Capt. Wendell Hall, a spokesperson for Aiken Public Safety.
Investigators said they tracked down the vandals after they recovered Walmart video showing several teenagers buying spray paint at the Supercenter the night before the school was vandalized.
A school resource officer identified one of the teenagers, and investigators were able to connect the others, Hall said.
Meisenheimer, Myers and Yarosh are or had been students at South Aiken High School.
Meisenheimer's bond was set at $3,277.50. Bond for each Myers and Yarosh was set at $2,185.
Investigators said the "tagging" incidents are not gang-related.
"It was mischievous," Hall said. "They said they were bored."
There have been other buildings tagged in Aiken recently, but police said those are not connected to the incidents involving these teenagers.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.
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Comment Title: Vandlism
Very few men can say that when they were growing up they didn't do something mischief. Boys will throw eggs, drink beer, smoke cigarettes, break a window or two, shoot an animal without a license, or something else. Not saying that it's right, but God damn people get a grip in Aiken. You Baptist holly roller do gooders, who have never done anything wrong in you entire lilly pure life, need to just sit down and shut the f##k up. I say let the first man who has not done mischief as a teenager be the first to throw a stone at these kids. The h#ll with the women because in Aiken they are a bunch of emotional basket cases.
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Posted by: On: Friday, December 04, 2009 8:47 PM
Comment Title: Dumb Ass Cops
You dumb ass cops in Aiken need to quit making these stupid comments and get a life.
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Posted by: On: Friday, December 04, 2009 8:45 PM
Comment Title: Aiken Ruins Kids
These kids should not be criminally charged for this. Aiken doesn't have any real crime so they go after our teenagers. This could have been handled by letting them pay for the damages and complete community service. It makes no sense to ruin their lives with these foolish misdemeanor charges which are going to result in PTI and community service anyway. Aiken law enforcement in out of control when they should be looking at their own sheriff for all of his misconduct in office activities and power grabs.
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Posted by: On: Friday, November 13, 2009 9:04 PM
Comment Title: Loser x 3
Look at these three losers - this makes me SICK - parents aren't to blame, school isn't to blame, church isn't to blame INDIVIDUALLY THEY ARE TO BLAME - if they are "bored" why not read a book, volunteer at the hospital or a nursing home - don't minimize these punk nothings - a Loser is a Loser all day long!
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Posted by: On: Friday, November 13, 2009 5:50 PM
Comment Title:
Nothing to do except being a punk. They should force them into the military where they would finally get some discipline and maybe make something of themselves.
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Posted by: On: Friday, November 13, 2009 3:31 PM
Comment Title: ???
What do you mean...they should not be posted as news? If they did the crime they should face the punishment...all of it! It saddens me to see kids getting into trouble like this. Parents need to wake up and know where your kids are!
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Posted by: On: Friday, November 13, 2009 2:47 PM
Comment Title:
These kids are neither thugs and/or idiots. They should have to pick up trash on the side of the road and made to perform other duties wearing signs saying they are vandals.
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Posted by: disgusted On: Friday, November 13, 2009 8:02 AM
Comment Title: It figures!
This is a product of bad parenting! The examples that they have for parents are not good so what do u expect! This crime is just the begining of bigger things. Hopefully it's not too late!!!
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Posted by: On: Friday, November 13, 2009 7:21 AM
Comment Title:
Yeah if these kids were african american I bet everyone on here would be singing a different tune. These boys deserve to be punished and I hope they get what's coming to them.
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Posted by: They're not bored On: Friday, November 13, 2009 1:37 AM
Comment Title: 3 pictures
3 pictures of waste products!
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Posted by: On: Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:29 PM
Comment Title:
Look at everybody defending the white kids, shut up! They need to learn something........hell, Manson was a good "kid".
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:01 PM
Comment Title: Ruth
It is important to our youth to stay off the streets and focus on your schooling. Life is too short and what we do in our younger days can stay with us forever. Hopefully, they can be given community service and get back into their studies...
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:16 PM
Comment Title: What is Wrong is Wrong
Too many people are making excuses for these boys. They did wrong. They planned this and bought paint. They went out and intentionally painted property that did not belong to them. What is right about that? Stop making excuses for them and let them learn a lesson. Maybe just maybe they will do right in the future. Too many kids are spoiled and get away with whatever they do. In the future they will be glad they were taught a lesson. That is how life is. If they are going to do wrong, they need to pay the price. That is how life is.
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 7:23 PM
Comment Title:
Katie, if you knew that they did this why didn't you turn them in? And how would you know that they didn't spray paint the cars, where you with them?
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:39 PM
Comment Title: c'mon
These are kids! This is not front page news!
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Posted by: child of the late 80's/ early 90's On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:18 PM
Comment Title: The kids these days..parents too
What's sad is the fact that the kids these days do nothing but watch TV, play video games, play on the computer etc, what else would you expect. When I was growing up (in the late 80's/early 90's) I didn't have time for crap like that..I'd go to school, had field hockey practice after school, then leave there and go to swim practice, get home around 8 or so, eat dinner, do homework and go to bed. My weekends were spent at swim meets or games. We weren't allowed to "free-graze" through the refrigerator, nor play on computers, and maybe got to watch an hour or two of "appropriate" tv. We weren't allowed to go out on weekdays, and had to be home by 11 on weekends (of course that wasn't until I was at least 17) I'm not saying I was perfect, I had my share of bad choices, and rebellions, but not to the extent of the kids today. I am so thankful for the activities I was involved in growing up, it really kept me out of trouble. Oh and thankful for parents that gave a sh*t. If these kids are so bored, which I totally believe, they need to volunteer, clean up the trash on the side of the road, get involved in athletics or other programs offered at school, etc. Get off the computers, get off your asses and get outside and enjoy some fresh air!!
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Posted by: Katie On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:43 PM
Comment Title: Misjudgement
First of all, I'd like to say that the boys did not do this because they were "bored." I know all the boys and they never gave anyone a reason as to why they did this. So that's a mistake in the media. And about the "golden rule," what if the school did them wrong? Or what if there was something going on with them and an administrator. Do onto other as you would have them do onto you...people are mean and hateful everyday. Have you been to a high school lately? This is a small, small act compared to the things I've heard said between FRIENDS in school. Also, they did not spray paint the cars. That was a completely differnt crime. The media and law enforcement officers know this so don't put more accusations on the boys than what is true. There's no reason for you to be spreading rumors about the boys.
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:04 PM
Comment Title: Respect
Some kids today do not have respect for others. Following the "golden rule" would benefit them. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Everyone needs to also realize that they are responsible for what their hands do and what they say. It saddens me to see that being "bored" is an excuse for disrespecting the property of others. I also heard that they spray painted some cars in a nearby neighborhood. That is pitiful.
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Posted by: -Katlyn On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 2:03 PM
Comment Title: about proper punishments
The three guys listed are my friends. They have good potential and are good kids. They are just making mistakes. They will regret it in the long run. Punishment or not being punished has nothing to do with it. I could be an A student and get caught up with friends and make a bad decision
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 12:38 PM
Comment Title: So Sad
It sickens me to hear so much hate and horrific comments made on the 3 teens who have been "thrown to the town dogs" by the local media. yes, it is true that they deserve to be punished for what they have done, but shame on you, the ADULTS of this town for the judgmental verbal lashings posted in this section. As a parent of several teens, I know the temptations my kids face,as well as the peer pressure to be accepted. I thank God everyday that they make good decisions. But should they not, I would hope that they would be given a second chance to prove themselves rather be publicly ridiculed by the people who are supposed to be educated adults of this town,setting an example for our kids. Shame on you all. With so many who claim to be "church goin people", is this the kind of behavior your pastors preach to you on Sunday morning? I know my church teaches us that we are all God's children!!!
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Posted by: alan On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 11:54 AM
Comment Title: bored
i feel like if they momma and daddy would snatch a knot in their tails or had been punished them appropriately through out their life via a belt paddle or hand they wouldnt be doing this mess.
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Posted by: Bruce On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 11:43 AM
Comment Title:
Take a lesson from Singapore and bring out the cane. A few lashes would do them some good.
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Posted by: Helen On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:59 AM
Comment Title: BORED ??!!??
Combined, these 3 look like they have the IQ of a gnat. Either give these punks some time in juvenile lock-up or make sure they spend some hard time cleaning up the mess they made - and then some - then maybe they won't be "bored." Poor little dears.
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Posted by: Bubbletoes On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:59 AM
Comment Title: Continued education
Thanks for publishing these mugs; we can only hope this will inspire the other two to change their ways lest they become infamous too. I hope the three older bad actors who were jailed suffer ample indignities as a good eduction of what it could be like if they continue this obnoxious behavior. The lot have caused much monetary damage and they and the parents of the minors should pay every penny of the cost to undo the damage. Keep publishing the unvarnished truth; we deserve to know it, warts and-all.
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:40 AM
Comment Title: Vandals
They need community service to fill every moment they are not in school... then they will not be bored. Meanwhile their parents need some parenting classes... they obviously have missed the boat.
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 7:30 AM
Comment Title: Dumb punk SA kids....
HAHA! They look like a bunch of punk mama's boys who were probably crying their eyes out when mom and dad bailed them out. They say they were bored, huh? Typical bs response. You will be real bored holed up in jail with bubba. LOL!!!!
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 7:24 AM
Comment Title:
if you are bored...go play tennis or baseball--don't spraypaint buildings. DUH!
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Posted by: T. Jerkidz On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 7:17 AM
Comment Title: Kids are not taught respect or responsibility
If they were my kids, I'd drag them down to the scene of the crime by the scruff of the neck. They would apologize to the property owner and then clean it up. They would also pay for any damages, fines and legal costs out of their own pocket. I doubt this will happen but it would stop these kids from repeating this or worse in the future. Stop making excuses for your kids, step up and be a parent.
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 6:30 AM
Comment Title:
brilliant. lock them up with real criminals for a month; that ought to help. This is not a drug crime or a violent crime.
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Posted by: On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 6:28 AM
Comment Title:
Probably a bunch of spoiled momma's boys who have never been disciplined.
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Posted by: Want these kids to have a good life! On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:13 AM
Comment Title: being boreded is a water down excuse
These teenagers will move up the ranks doing bigger crime and using the same excuse of being bored. They need to be locked down for a month or two, that might turn things around in their lives. sometimes it takes something big to change people.
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Posted by: Want_Aiken_Cleaned_Up On: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:00 AM
Comment Title: What a handsome trio!
It's hilarious how The Aiken Standard put the pictures of these scumbags in print. Bravo, Standard! I only wish that ALL their pictures had been put there, including those who are "minors". These "minors" need to be taught a lesson.
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