Two Men Charged in Verndale Spray Paint Vandalism Spree

According to court documents, two 19-year-old men have been charged for causing property damage during a night of vandalism in Verndale, which totaled over $15,000.

The men, Eathon Robert Phillips from Wadena and Tristin James Richard Nichols from Perham, are both facing serious charges of first-degree criminal damage to property, as the damage they caused was more than $1,000.

The vandalism occurred May 24-25, 2025, when Phillips, Nichols, and three juveniles allegedly walked around Verndale spray-painting buildings, cars, signs, and other property. They caused damage to homes and businesses on streets like Second Avenue, Farwell Street, Brown Street, and Butler Street. They also vandalized a railroad sign and a stop sign.

Investigators estimated the total damage at $15,256.18, including spray-painted profanities and vulgar images.

The police started their investigation after asking the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for help. They used surveillance videos, witness statements, Snapchat messages, and other information to identify Phillips, Nichols, and the juveniles involved...

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