Property Owner suing Rhode Island Over Beach Access Law Faces Vandalism Charges

David M. Roth, a plaintiff who is challenging the state’s new shoreline access law, is accused of vandalizing a right-of-way sign near his beach house in Watch Hill

A newly elevated right-of-way sign protected with plastic glass is shown at Everett Avenue in Westerly.
A newly elevated right-of-way sign protected with plastic glass is shown at Everett Avenue in Westerly.
Alex Nunes/The Public’s Radio
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A newly elevated right-of-way sign protected with plastic glass is shown at Everett Avenue in Westerly.
A newly elevated right-of-way sign protected with plastic glass is shown at Everett Avenue in Westerly.
Alex Nunes/The Public’s Radio
Property Owner suing Rhode Island Over Beach Access Law Faces Vandalism Charges
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A Westerly property owner making a legal challenge against Rhode Island’s new shoreline access law has been charged with repeatedly vandalizing a beach right-of-way sign near his home.

Police said David M. Roth, who owns a $10.8 million property in Watch Hill with his wife but resides in West Hartford, Connecticut, spray-painted a beach access sign four times since May.

Chief Paul Gingerella said Roth, 76, was arrested on Aug. 29 by Westerly police after an officer spotted him at night near the newly replaced sign and witnessed Roth throw a can of Rust-Oleum spray paint into nearby bushes.

“We’re assuming he was going to get ready to do it again,” Gingerella said by telephone.

Roth was transported to the station, processed and charged on four counts of misdemeanor vandalism, Gingerella said.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

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