Mental Exam Ordered For Jesus Graffiti Suspect

A federal judge has ordered a mental evaluation of a man indicted for spray-painting messages urging repentance on Vicksburg National Military Park monuments last fall.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons will evaluate the competency of Mark Vincent Peterson, 33, to stand trial, U.S. Magistrate Alfred G. Nicols ruled Tuesday.

Peterson's attorney, Andy Sumrall of Jackson, entered a plea of innocent to the charges. Peterson is charged with malicious mischief, which carries maximum penalties of 10 years in jail and a fine of $250,000, Nicols said.

Peterson was indicted March 4 by a federal grand jury. The indictment accuses Peterson of vandalizing 11 monuments in the federal park.

Reports of vandalism found last November included 12 locations inside the park's boundaries and nine outside. The locations outside the park were six churches, a Jewish temple, an outdoor city restroom at Riverfront Park and the Vicksburg park's North Carolina monument.

For the non-park property he is accused of vandalizing, Peterson also faces malicious mischief charges in state court.

The case against him is expected to be presented to a Warren County grand jury that meets in May, District Attorney Gil Martin has said.

State law provides for up to five years in jail, a $10,000 fine and restitution for damages for those convicted of the crime. Peterson remains in federal custody without bond.