Five Blount County men charged with vandalizing Mexican store

MARYVILLE (AP) — Five young men charged in the vandalism of a Mexican store told Blount County authorities they broke windows and painted Nazi symbols on the building.

La Lupita Mexican store was vandalized earlier this month.

Jacob Allen Reynolds, 19; Robert Thomas Cushman, 18; Matthew Scott Green, 18; and Thomas Matthew Lovett, 21, were charged with vandalism over $10,000, a felony. Dennis Michael Denson Jr., 19, was charged with being an accessory. All five were being held at the Blount County Detention Facility.

FBI Special Agent James Van Pelt said Thursday the FBI is remaining active in the investigation. State and federal prosecutors could decide whether the incident constituted an alleged hate crime, which means the suspects could get enhanced sentences if convicted, he said.

The men told authorities they were driving around when two of them had the idea to vandalize the store, Sheriff James Berrong said.

The store owner, Joaquin Gonzales, said insurance would cover the $17,000 in damages. He does not plan to move.

Community leaders gathered at the store last week to show their support.