Vandalism Uses Anti-Italian Slur

Mannino Family Alarmed at Invasion of Property

CENTRAL — The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating trespassing, vandalism, a threat, and malicious mischief which apparently occurred Monday night at Deep South Choppers, 12249 Greenwell Springs Rd.

One or more individuals entered an unlocked paint shop and spray-painted a threat, profanity and an anti-Italian ethnic slur on the walls of the shop and on automobile fenders that had just been painted.

The investigating officer said it was being investigated as a “hate crime.”  For video of the crime, go to www.nbc33tv.com.

The business is owned by Mike Mannino, the father of Senate candidate Mike Mannino.

The younger Mannino is facing Rep. Bodi White this Saturday, Oct. 22 for a vacant seat in the Senate from newly-created Senate District 6, which includes Southeast Baton Rouge, Central, southern St. Helena, and parts of Tangipahoa Parish.

Central is not known for anti-Italian sentiments or discrimination.  In fact, three of the five members of the Central City Council are of Italian heritage.

The younger Mike Mannino spent much of Tuesday dealing with the investigation of the vandalism. The message spray-painted on the walls was a threat: “Bodi is going to kill you f—— dago.”

“Dago” is a  derogatory term for someone of Italian ancestry.

Mannino said, “Our family has been very upset over this invasion of our property, the threat, and the ethnic slur.  We’ve never had to deal with anything like this over here.”

Mannino said he was sure Bodi White would not approve of any such vandalism.  “However, someone did this, and we are counting on the Sheriff’s office to fully investigate what happened, so that the perpetrator can be punished and this kind of thing won’t happen again.”

Mannino said he has been disappointed at the large number of his signs that have been stolen across the district.  “Some people say the stealing of signs is to be expected in a political campaign, but I disagree.  It should not be tolerated.  But the invasion of my dad’s business, threats, vandalism, and ethnic slurs carry this to an entirely different level.”

Mannino said the vandal or vandals inadvertently left behind a number of important clues that may ultimately lead to their arrest.

Anyone with information on this crime should contact the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office at 389-5177.