Police: Cleaner caused $4,000 in damage

~ A man subcontracted to clean Jackson City Hall was charged with felony property damage.

Authorities suspect a cleaner broke two windows and overturned furniture at Jackson City Hall, causing about $4,000 in damage.

Police responded to a call of glass breaking at city hall, 101 Court St., around 3 a.m. Monday, according to police chief James Humphreys.

Officers arrived to find Lee A. Williams, who was subcontracted by the city to clean the building, city administrator Jim Roach said.

Williams, 42, of 140 S. Henderson Ave. in Cape Girardeau normally cleans the building after hours. He is accused of breaking out a window in both the mayor's office and the maintenance supervisor's office, Roach said.

Broken glass covered the mayor's office, where a bookcase, end tables and chairs were tipped over. Aside from the broken window in the maintenance supervisor's office, nothing was disturbed, Roach said.

An estimated $4,000 in damage was done, a probable-cause statement read.

Williams, who was arrested without incident, was charged with felony property damage. Bond was set at $1,500.

"He was just having a bad night and just lost it for a minute," Humphreys said of Williams, who was not suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

When arrested, the Williams apologized, Humphreys said. He also had left a note on a desk stating, "Sorry Lee," according to the probable-cause statement.

"I don't think he had a beef with the city of Jackson," Roach said.

Plywood covered the broken windows Tuesday. Roach said it would be a couple of days before replacements arrived.

Williams had been under a contract with the city for the last four years. No problems have previously arisen, according to Roach. In addition to cleaning city hall, Williams also occasionally cleaned the police station.

The city will look for another subcontractor in light of the incident, Roach said.

Williams is scheduled to appear before Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp Monday. He could receive up to four years' imprisonment if convicted.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127