Scott LoBaido, a Staten Island artist, was charged with obstructing speed cameras using fake flowers in a vigilante act. He claimed these floral arrangements were a form of community beautification. LoBaido, 59, was arraigned on multiple charges after being caught in the act with another accomplice. He defended his actions in a press conference, stating he aimed to enhance the aesthetic of the area while drawing attention to the imposing speed cameras. His attorney termed him a national treasure, reflecting the contentious nature of his protest.
"The Beautification Squad is me," LoBaido confessed to a detective, according to a criminal complaint. "I'm the Beautification Squad."
"I had to admit that I was putting up these flowers as a beautification public arts statement - what I am famous for - because these ugly things on these poles were apparently cameras..."
"He didn't know what I was doing," LoBaido said, according to the complaint.
Fonte hailed his client as "a national treasure and an American hero," the paper reported.
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