(11/28/03)Vicksburg police say that despite reports to the contrary, they have not been contacted by Jackson police about any graffiti similar to that painted here last week.

Mark Vincent Peterson, 33, was arrested Tuesday and remained in jail charged with eight counts of felony malicious mischief in Vicksburg. He is also expected to be charged with defacing federal property because memorials and monuments in the Vicksburg National Military Park were also painted with religious messages last weekend.

Television stations in Jackson have reported similar vandalism there and that Jackson and Vicksburg authorities were working together on the investigation.

While Jackson police could not be reached today, Vicksburg Chief Tommy Moffett said he does not know if Peterson is being investigated in Jackson.

“I called Jackson personally and told them that we had a guy here, but I haven’t heard back from them,” Moffett said.

The message painted in most places was, “Jesus is coming. Repent y’all,” or similar urgent evangelical messages. His father said Peterson, a university graduate who held several jobs before serving in the military, has become very religious in the past year. Ben Peterson also said his son has essentially chosen homelessness for the past month.

Bond was set at $100,000.

Sgt. Tom Wilson, VPD investigator, said Peterson had been living out of his car, but gave police his parents’ Vicksburg address.

Wilson said Peterson told police that he was dishonorably discharged from the military and is a member of a religious organization based in New York. Wilson also said he has not been contacted by Jackson police concerning Peterson, but added that Lt. Bobby Stewart is the lead investigator in the case.

Stewart could not be reached this morning.

Peterson was arrested at Navy Circle off Washington Street near the Mississippi River bridges by police and park rangers. Moffett would not confirm reports that officers found spray paint cans in Peterson’s car.

“There appeared to be some evidence that would connect him to the acts,” Moffett said.

In all, painting was done at 21 sites. On the state charges, Peterson faces up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine plus restitution for damages on each count.

Federal authorities, who may prosecute separately, were to discuss the case Monday.