Two lance corporals assigned to the prestigious Marine Corps Barracks Washington are being investigated by the service for their roles in scrawling antisemitic and racial slurs on the walls of a dormitory at the University of Maryland. (U.S. Marine Corps)
The Marine Corps is investigating two lance corporals assigned to the prestigious Marine Corps Barracks Washington for their roles in scrawling antisemitic and racial slurs on the walls of a dormitory at the University of Maryland.
Lance Cpl. Sergio Delgado, 21, and Lance Cpl. Hayden Pritchard, 22, face charges in Prince George’s County district court for the April 2023 incident.
Both Marines appeared in court Thursday and asked for a speedy trial. Under Maryland law, they must now be brought to trial within 180 days of the court appearance.
Pritchard is charged with race/religion property damage and trespassing. Delgado is charged with trespassing.
All the charges are misdemeanors. The property damage charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Trespassing carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 for a first offense.
The Marine Corps has launched its own review but will wait for the civilian court to rule before proceeding.
“The accused Marines are waiting trial, and upon conclusion, Marine Barracks Washington will determine which administrative and/or punitive measures are necessary and appropriate,” Capt. Kayla Haas, spokeswoman for the Marine Barracks Washington, said in a statement Thursday.
Pritchard and Delgado were charged Feb. 8 after a nearly yearlong investigation into the April 29, 2023, incident at La Plata Hall at the University of Maryland in College Park, Md. Investigators used security video of the hall to trace the source of the graffiti.
The university police contacted the Marines in January 2024 to assist with identifying the perpetrators of the crime.
The Marine Barracks has been the symbolic home of the Marine Corps since 1801. It is home to its elite ceremonial units and the residence of the Marine commandant.
