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Police investigating Elizaville hate speech incident
Amanda Purcell is reporting in the Register-Star the New York State Police are investigating a possible hate crime in Elizaville, after a home under construction on Taghkanic Road was vandalized. Graffiti, spray-painted in red on all four sides of the structure, read "No Blacks," "Die," as well as other more offensive phrases. Homeowner Fred Iorfida said he believes he was targeted because his girlfriend is black. He said he will not be intimidated or scared off because of the incident. “I will tell you one thing. I am staying right here. I am not moving,” Iorfida said. The vandalism is believed to have occurred sometime between 6:30 p.m. Sat., Jun. 10, and the morning of Sun., Jun. 12, when a contractor discovered the graffiti and called police. A state police spokesperson said this is the only incident of its kind reported to the local state police since January. Police are seeking the public's help in identifying the perpetrator; a $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Livingston at (845) 677-7300. Read the full story in the Register-Star.