14 Boston vandalism charges against Obama ‘Hope’ artist are dropped, leaving 13 pending

Obama ‘Hope’ artist has 14 Boston charges dropped

BOSTON — Prosecutors in Boston have dropped 14 vandalism charges against the street artist who created the “Hope” poster of President Barack Obama.

But the Suffolk district attorney’s office says it’s leaving open the possibility of prosecuting Shepard Fairey on 13 other charges.

The 39-year-old Los Angeles resident had been accused of placing stickers on signposts and other public property. Defense attorney Jeffrey Wiesner has said Fairey wasn’t even in town.

In court papers filed Tuesday, prosecutors say they don’t have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt it was Fairey who placed the stickers. The red, cream and light-blue images show a determined-looking Obama gazing upward, with the caption “HOPE.”

Fairey says he dramatically changed an Associated Press image to make the poster. The AP has said the uncredited and uncompensated use violates copyright laws.