Help Jen Defend Her First Amendment Rights
Single Mom is Facing Numerous Misdemeanor Charges for Anti-Hate Stickers.
Why We're Raising Funds
Jen, a friend, former employee, and fellow creative, is a quiet single mom who’s been hit with serious criminal charges in Easton, MD for peacefully expressing her views using small anti-Nazi stickers.
Now, she's facing over $5,000 in legal fees, public backlash, and a loss of income. Assuming the evidence supports the allegations, at worst this would be a person exercising their right to Freedom of Speech.
What Happened
Jen is accused of placing:
- 16 small, paper anti-Nazi stickers (3 inches wide, swastika with a red slash) in public areas
- 6 additional, 1-inch removable swastika stickers on campaign signs for a controversial local candidate
Authorities allege these stickers caused:
- Over $21,000 in damage to street signs and poles due to sticker residue
- The need to replace public utility fixtures
Despite the stickers being non-violent and easily removable, Jen now faces:
- 16 counts of hate-based crimes
- 4 additional hate-crime charges
- 1 charge of racial/religious discrimination
- 4 counts of property destruction
The Larger Context
- The candidate involved is known locally for anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and is also known to have attempted to contact the Proud Boys.
- His campaign signs overwhelmed the area, prompting community complaints.
- Despite this, media falsely reported that his signs were "painted" with hate symbols—a claim not supported by evidence.
What Jen Is Going Through
- Police raided her home at 6 AM on May 6th, with drones reportedly used to monitor her before that.
- Items confiscated included her phone and even a file containing Heather Cox Richardson's "Letters from an American".
- She was publicly named online, along with her car info—leading to threats, harassment, and increased police attention.
- She lost her job, and her reputation was damaged by inaccurate media coverage.
Jen is relatively new to the area, with a very small support network. She’s the primary caregiver for her child, a local honor student. Before COVID, she worked as an instructor for children and seniors. This situation has had a devastating impact on her ability to provide for her family and find new employment.
How You Can Help
We’re asking for donations to help cover:
✅ Legal defense costs (initially $5,000+ and rising)
✅ Ongoing fines and court-related expenses
✅ Basic living support while she seeks new work and stability
Even a small contribution makes a big difference in helping Jen fight these charges and move forward.
Why This Matters
This case isn’t just about stickers—it’s about whether peaceful political expression deserves multiple misdemeanor charges, fines, and public shaming.
Free speech is a protected right, and Jen deserves a chance to defend hers without losing everything in the process.
Please consider donating, sharing, or sending a message of support.
Let’s stand up for fairness, dignity, and the right to peaceful expression!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Cristaudo
Beneficiary