BREAKING NEWS: Woman Faces Felony Penalties in Pride Crosswalks Protest
20-year-old Teagan Lavin could face up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines if convicted
A young woman recently released from custody on a $5,000 cash bond has been charged with one count of felony criminal mischief in excess of $1,000 following an incident at Key West’s former Pride Crosswalks.
Authorities classified the incident as vandalism, while some members of the community viewed Teagan Lavin’s actions as a protest against the Florida Department of Transportation’s recent removal of rainbow-colored crosswalks in the city and throughout Florida.
According to an arrest report filed by the Key West Police Department, Lavin spray painted several words and symbols on the crosswalk near the intersection of Petronia Street, which linked the 700 and 800 blocks of Duval Street. The report noted that the damage, which included the words “say gay” colorful letters and the phrase “Erasing Paint ≠ Erasing People” along with rainbow markings, caused damage estimated to exceed $1,000.
City workers reportedly removed the markings quickly afterward.
Above the Fold chose not to publish the arrest report because Lavin’s driver’s license number was not redacted, as is typically standard in publicly released police documents.
Lavin is represented by attorney Dustin Hunter, a partner in the Key West law firm Robertson & Hunter, who has filed a waiver of appearance on her behalf. Hunter has also filed motions for discovery, requesting information or an indictment related to the felony charge, including the criminal complaint, police reports, and evidence the prosecution intends to present. In legal proceedings, an “information” is the formal document filed by the State Attorney’s Office outlining the charges against a defendant and forming the basis for prosecution.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the felony charge. Felony criminal mischief in Florida carries potential penalties of up to five years in prison and fines that can reach $5,000, depending on the severity of the damage.
The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office could decide to prosecute to the full extent of the law, or reduces charges based on Lavin’s prior record and history.
The SAO could also return a “filing of no information” (sometimes called a “nolle prosequi” or “no information filed”) meaning the prosecutor chooses not to move forward with criminal charges against a defendant.
The incident has sparked discussion among Key West residents and beyond.
Some view the act as a passionate defense of LGBTQ+ visibility, while others consider it criminal destruction of public property.
City officials said they are reviewing both the damages and policies regarding public crosswalks and public artwork, while the broader debate over Pride crosswalks continues statewide.
Lavin’s arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, at 9 a.m. before Judge Mark Wilson.
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She’s a hero as far as many Key West residents are concerned.DeSantis’s justification for removing the rainbow crosswalk because it’s a safety hazard is a thin rationalization for his homophobia.
If he had the the bravery of this young Key West resident he would have at least said his reason was because he hates gays!