Spotlight News has written a previous article about the incident and it is available here.
NORTH BETHLEHEM — A Bethlehem Democratic Committee member has been charged with petit larceny, following a two-day investigation by the local police department.
Mario P. Chiarello, 67, of Slingerlands, was seen taking political campaign signs for John “Tiger” Anastasi — who is the Republican candidate seeking re-election for Highway Superintendent this year — off a Blessings Road property on Saturday, Oct. 19 at around 3:15 p.m.
He was observed by Steve Peterson who had been riding a campaign bus for Republican Town Board candidate Jim Carriero who stopped to ask him why he was removing the signs. The entire incident was captured on a dashboard camera that was installed on the campaign bus. Watch below:
Spotlight News has reached out to Peterson, Chiarello and BPD Commander Adam Hornick about the incident and their comments are included in our previous article on this story.
The Bethlehem Democratic Committee posted on its Facebook page that “the BDC does not support the removal or damage to yard signs or campaign materials. The BDC is intolerant of behaviors like this that break the law, and do not respect property owners’ rights.”
Bethlehem police noted in a press release that it “receives reports of stolen campaign signs on a fairly regular basis. As with all Police Departments, our agency remains apolitical, and investigates any and all complaints in their entirety.” Anyone with more information about this incident may contact Bethlehem police at 518-439-9973.
Chiarello was issued an appearance ticket and will appear at the Town of Bethlehem Court on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
