News

January 11, 2010

Student allegedly defiles Nativity

King’s student arrested for allegedly urinating on Nativity display on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre.

By Steve Mocarsky smocarsky@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – A King’s College student was arrested and faces several charges after allegedly urinating on a religious Christmas display early Sunday morning.

Nathan Strawn, 22, was arrested after “he was observed fully exposed urinating on the Nativity scene located on Public Square,” city police said in a press release.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:54 a.m., police said.

Strawn was charged with indecent exposure, desecration of venerated objects, open lewdness, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

City police said Strawn was taken to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility and was held there for arraignment, but a prison official said there was no record of Strawn being held for any length of time at the prison.

Police identified Strawn as “a King’s student” in the press release.

Mayor Tom Leighton did not return a message left on his cell phone seeking comment.

King’s College Public Relations Director John McAndrew issued an e-mailed statement on behalf of the college.

“King’s College, through the Dean of Students Office, reviews student behavior that takes place on and off campus. Such behavior that is described in the report not only is a criminal violation of the law but is an affront to the mission of King’s College and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct,” McAndrew wrote.

“Such behavior will be addressed swiftly by the Student Affairs Office in a manner that is fitting the seriousness of the offense to the College and Wilkes-Barre community,” the statement concluded.

Wilkes-Barre Crime Watch Coalition President Charlotte Raup said she couldn’t believe the report of urination on the Nativity scene.

“Public drunkenness is one thing, but that’s just really sick,” Raup said.

Raup said public drunkenness is becoming an increasing problem downtown “because of all the bars.

“Our poor police, all they’re doing is responding to calls at all the downtown bars at night. It’s a shame. When you’re downtown all the time, the rest of the city is not being protected,” Raup said.

In the month of December, city police made at least 22 public drunkenness arrests in the city, according to Times Leader archives.

Steve Mocarsky, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 970-7311.

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