Thanks to an anonymous tip, a Clarkston man has been arraigned on charges related to vandalism at Meadow Brook Hall earlier this year
According to Mark Gordon, Oakland University’s police chief, Caleb Punches, 24, was arraigned Wednesday at Rochester Hills 52-3 District Court on a felony count of malicious destruction of property over $1,000. He’s suspected of damaging two large stained-glass windows at Meadow Brook Hall on Feb. 3. The windows had an estimated value of $35,000 and were original to the historic home, built in 1929.
If convicted, Punches, 24, faces up to five years in jail, a fine of $10,000 or up to three times the value of what was destroyed, or both.
Punches was also arraigned for a misdemeanor, entering without authority, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine up to $250, or both.
He was booked by OU police and released, according to Gordon. He had no connection to the university, Gordon said.
Oakland University spokesman Brian Bierley said media coverage and actions from the public were essential in finding the suspect.
Bill Matt, Meadow Brook Hall’s executive director praised the campus police force for finding the suspect. He said the vandalism was very upsetting.
The community’s response to the 1929 Club fundraiser created to restore the windows has been overwhelming, he said.
“It was a powerful answer to an act of senseless violence,” he said.