Pre-Trial Date Set For Accused Soccer Field Vandal

One of two Johnston men accused of driving their vehicles over a town-owned soccer field pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of damage to public property in Third District Court, Warwick, on Mar. 21.

Raymond Zinno, 18, next to Johnston High School on Mar. 2 and 3 and driving across the fields there. A surveillance camera recorded his vehicle on Mar. 3 traveling over one field and proceeding toward another area being prepared for new fields.

According to court records posted online, Zinno was released on personal recognizance until a scheduled April 20 pre-trial conference.

Under Rhode Island state law 11-44-12, Zinno could face a fine of up to $500 and a year in jail.

State Rep. John Carnevale (D-Providence, Johnston) recently announced that he to create a felony-level offense to the law, which currently carries a misdemeanor charge.

Town officials estimated the cost to repar the field at more than $15,000.

Costanzo Caparrelli, 18, also reportedly admitted to the vandalism of the field and is currently attending college out of state. Johnston Police issued a warrant for his arrest pending his return in early April.

Local officials also suspect the two in the vandalism of a practice field behind the high school, where a gate was left unlocked and could have allowed access to the area.

Past articles on this topic:

• Damaged Field Won't Be Ready Until Fall, Mar. 20, 2012
• Accused Vandal Won't Face School Disciplinary Action [POLL], Mar. 17, 2012
• , Mar. 15, 2012
• News Brief: Alleged Vandals Face Misdemeanor Charges, Mar. 14, 2012
• , Mar. 13,2012
• , Mar. 7, 2012
• , Mar. 5, 2012