Michael Burpee, 25, is being charged with aggravated criminal mischief, a felony, due to the extent of the damage, which exceeds $2,000.
BATH, Maine — Pink, black, and blue spray paint now cover buildings across Bath, marking both public and private spaces with messages like “Spread love, not hate” and heart symbols.
While some see it as vandalism, others argue it’s a form of expression—one that shouldn’t result in a felony charge.
Bath police have charged 25-year-old Michael Burpee of Phippsburg with aggravated criminal mischief, a felony, due to the extent of the damage, which exceeds $2,000.
“We’re not opposed to art,” Bath Police Chief Andrew Booth said. “Art is great, but there is a process for public art. Graffiti in this case is not art, and it’s a crime.”
Chief Booth emphasized that while the messages might be positive, the cleanup costs have been significant for property owners.
Burpee’s charge is now being compared to another graffiti case—one involving racist and antisemitic messages.
Last year, William and Hayden Deary, a father and son from Harpswell, were accused of spray-painting hate speech across multiple towns in Cumberland County. However, they were charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief—a lesser charge than Burpee now faces.
The Maine attorney general’s office did pursue a civil rights case against the Dearys, which resulted in jail time and fines.
Local artist Laurie Burhoe sees the situation differently.
“I don’t see graffiti in general as criminal,” Burhoe, who once taught Burpee in middle school, said.
She describes Burpee as a talented artist trying to express a positive message. While she agrees there should be consequences if he’s found guilty, she suggests a different approach:
“I understand that the city of Bath is concerned about damage to private or public property,” she added. “I could see asking Michael to clean it up as a course of action, but I do not see this as worthy of a felony charge, especially for a 25-year-old.
Burpee is scheduled to make his first court appearance in April, according to Booth.
NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to him for comment but has not heard back.
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