Vandalism with soup and sauce alleged

An Oak Harbor woman is accused of committing a felony crime with soup and sauce.

An Oak Harbor woman is accused of a soup-related felony, according to court documents.

Prosecutors charged Diana P. Nelson in Island County Superior Court Dec. 13 with malicious mischief in the first degree for allegedly vandalizing a communal laundry room at the Oak Grove Apartments on June 6.

A police officer investigated the complaint and found the laundry room was “trashed” with a variety of substances. Nelson allegedly put soup into coin slots; filled the dryers with bird seed, rocks and condiments; and dumped pasta sauce, ranch dressing, rocks and broken glass into the washing machines, according to a police report.

The officer reviewed surveillance footage, which “clearly shows Nelson committing the act,” his report states. She is seen making several trips into the laundry room, each time with different food items. The officer wrote that he recognizes Nelson from multiple escalating encounters.

The damages were estimated at $8,000. The police report doesn’t indicate any possible motive.

Malicious mischief is a felony charge and is defined as maliciously causing physical damage in excess of $5,000. If convicted, Nelson could face up to 90 days in jail under the standard sentencing range.