Family rights activist John Murtari was arrested Wednesday afternoon for graffiti, carrying graffiti material and trespassing while standing on the sidewalk in front of the Old County Court House in Lyons, NY. He had written “MR. OAKS HELP FAMILY RIGHTS” on the brick building with children’s chalk earlier that morning.
Murtari has written the same message in different parts of town, including the Wayne County Hall of Justice across the street. See NY family rights activist continues to chalk on courthouse. (See photos) These actions are part of Murtari’s ongoing quest to get Assemblyman Robert Oaks to take up the family rights cause.
This is not Murtari’s first arrest in this campaign. See Activist incarcerated, $1k bail for chalk message. After Murtari’s attorney, Ms. Denise Munson pointed out that writing with chalk didn’t meet the criteria for “intent to damage” the criminal charges were dropped.
In a sign of good will, Murtari has offered to clean the chalk off at the end of each week. On Tuesday Murtari said, “I asked security guards for a bucket of water and rag so I could clean off the messages. They told me not to worry about it.”
Murtari is an ex Air Force Academy training pilot who nearly became a priest. He’s divorced with a son, Dom, 17, with whom he shares a close relationship. Murtari’s driver’s license was suspended over child support arrears that he disputes.
“It is an absolute indignity and I refuse to be a willing “bag lady” as I walk around town for groceries. I can’t take care of my obligations,” he wrote in a recent newsletter. “This indignity is just a side effect of our failure to recognize Family Rights, but it helps provide motivation,” he added.
Murtari has been examined by several psychiatrists during his jail stays, and has been found to be of sound mind. He’s currently being held in the Wayne County jail in Lyons. John always appreciates letters.  The jail address is: John Murtari, P.O. Box 477, Lyons, NY 14489. His hearing will be Feb. 10th.
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