Donald Trump

Hate Crime, Arson Charges Dropped in Trump Billboard Burning

Authorities dropped hate crime and arson charges against two women from the Baltimore area in connection with the burning of a billboard promoting President Donald Trump.

Joy Shuford, 19, and D'Asia Perry appeared in Somerset County District Court Thursday, the Daily Times of Salisbury reported.

The decision to drop the charges was made jointly between police and the state's attorney's office upon reviewing the case, Princess Anne Police Chief Timothy Bozman said in a statement.

The women were charged after the sign belonging to a sporting goods store in Princess Anne was set on fire Friday, causing $800 in damage.

Both still face charges including malicious burning, trespassing and malicious destruction of property, the Baltimore Sun reported. Neither has an attorney listed in court records.

Police took Perry into custody after viewing a surveillance image and indentifying her as the driver of the vehicle involved, the Delmarva Daily Times reported.

Police were seeking another person when Shuford turned herself in Saturday.

The burned billboard also promotes the campaign of a state assemblywoman who lost in the U.S. Senate race for Maryland.

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