WILTON – A 33-year-old Augusta man was arrested and charged with criminal mischief after allegedly gouging a swastika symbol in the putting green and causing other damage at Wilson Lake Golf Course.
Police arrested Ramesh Goonesekere after a golf course maintenance worker said he saw a man destroying property at the course at 7 a.m. Monday. Officer Josh King of the Wilton Police Department and Deputy David Rackliffe of the Sheriff’s Department responded and found Goonesekere walking along Weld Road, not far from the course.
Trooper Randy Keaten of the State Police and his police dog had been called in to assist with tracking, which he said led right to the suspect. Goonesekere was taken to the Franklin County jail, charged with criminal mischief.
Damage, estimated at $500 to $600, included destroying posts as well as digging up the green with a rake.
The U.S. Border Patrol was called in to research the suspect’s status in this country and he was taken into custody of the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Due to the nature of the symbol at the scene of the damaged green, the Attorney General’s Office will be asked to review the case as a possible hate crime.
