Is this a hate crime?
Eleven businesses in Portsmouth (N.H.) were hit with graffiti over the weekend that seems to be targeting a sex offender living in the area.
The graffiti was sprayed on businesses on Islington Street, a main route through town. In black spray paint was written, "Get out of Portsmouth, Charly Paul," along with other variations on the same message.
Charles Paul is a registered sex offender who lives in the neighborhood. He was convicted in 1985 of sexually assaulting a girl in North Hampton, N.H.Police wouldn't comment on Paul but said they are investigating who is behind the graffiti.
"It's quite a bit. It's quite a bit for this area," said Sgt. Chris Cummings. "It does happen on occasion, but for 11 businesses to be hit in such a short amount of time, it is quite a bit of damage to these establishments."Workers cleaning up the graffiti at Celebrity Sandwich noticed the message first thing on Saturday.
"(It's) kind of embarrassing to see something like that on your building. So, we tried to get it off there as quick as possible," said Rich Fairway, of Celebrity Sandwich. "It's a busy little street, and I'd hate to see people drive by and have people think about Charly Paul and not the businesses."
Police said they don't know if one or more people are responsible.
Here's the kicker.
WMUR News 9 tried to contact Paul at his address listed in the registry but was unable to reach him.
