SALEM, New Hampshire — Chief Joel Dolan reports the Salem Police Department has arrested a New Jersey man following an investigation into an incident of vandalism at America’s Stonehenge.
MARK RUSSO, 50, OF SWEDESBORO, NEW JERSEY has been charged with one count of felony Criminal Mischief.
Salem Police Detectives arrested RUSSO on Monday at the Salem County Correctional Facility in Woods Town, New Jersey, where he was being held pending extradition back to New Hampshire.
The arrest culminates an approximately 15 month long investigation into vandalism at the site of America’s Stonehenge at 105 Haverhill Road. According to a website for the attraction, America’s Stonehenge is believed to be more than 4,000 years old, and features various rock structures. Salem Police who responded to the scene on Sept. 29, 2019 following a report of criminal mischief came upon a rock tablet at the site that appeared to have been damaged by a power tool as well as knocked over. An 18 inch tall wooden cross was also found suspended between two trees, and attached to the cross were several photographs and hand drawn images.
Salem Police Detective Michael Geha led the investigation. The Salem Police Department wishes to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Bedford, New Hampshire office and the Woolrich, New Jersey Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
“A job well done to Detective Geha, who has determinedly and skillfully worked on this case for well over a year,” Chief Dolan said. “This is an example of fine police work, and how law enforcement agencies, wherever they may be located, can work together to resolve investigations such as this one.”
RUSSO was held without bail at the Rockingham County Jail and was scheduled for an arraignment on Tuesday before the Rockingham Superior Court.
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