An 18-year-old library worker, termed by police “an avid follower of the Nazi doctrines of Hitler,” was charged with arson in the burning of 165 paintings and art exhibits. The youth, Richard V. Smith, Jr., admitted setting fire to Columbus Museum of Arts and Crafts and painting swastikas on two synagogues here last week. Police said he was a known “hater of Jews.”
Police Chief E. F. Moncrief said the youth gave his name as Richard Renks when he was arrested. The suspect recently moved to Columbus from Atlanta. He was charged with second and third degree arson in the museum fire last Saturday night in which damage was estimated at $50,000.
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