Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 19-year-old Michael Walker, of Nampa, IL, and 19-year-old Benjamin Parris, of Greenville, SC, were arraigned on charges stemming from graffiti incidents that occurred last Sunday in Sterling Heights, MI.
On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Sterling Heights Police were dispatched to the area of Van Dyke Expressway (M53) and Canal Rd. after a report of two men spray-painting a fence. Officers allegedly discovered Walker and Parris on scene with cans of spray paint. It is further alleged that Walker was in possession of a knife.
The fence was spray painted with nine swastikas, the number “88,” “National Socialism is the way,” and “HEIL.” In addition to the fence, swastikas, antisemitic slogans, and vulgarity were spray painted on the concrete pillars of an underpass of M53 and Canal, the brick wall near the property of a business, and the electrical box at a second business.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Walker and Parris were arraigned before Magistrate Jean M. Cloud in the 41A District Court in Sterling Heights, MI.
Walker is charged with the following:
- Four counts – Malicious Destruction of Property - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000
- Two counts – Conspiracy to Commit Malicious Destruction of Property - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000
- One count - Weapons – Carrying Concealed.
Each charge is a five-year felony.
Parris is charged with the following:
- Two counts – Malicious Destruction of Property - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000
- Two counts – Conspiracy to Commit Malicious Destruction of Property - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000
Each charge is a five-year felony.
The charges are based upon the evidence gathered to date. As the investigation continues, other charges may be added.
“It is concerning when disturbing messages deface public and private property. My office will prosecute those alleged to have committed these crimes and will remain vigilant in protecting the citizens of Macomb County,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Magistrate Cloud set bond at $75,000 cash or surety only, with no 10% provision, for Walker, and $100,000 cash or surety only, with no 10% provision, for Parris; if either defendant posts bond, he must wear a steel cuff tether.
Walker and Parris are scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference before Judge Kimberley A. Wiegand at the 41-A District Court - Sterling Heights on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Davis represented the People at the arraignment.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
###
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
