Gainesville man sentenced for City Hall vandalism

James Alexander Dewar, 42, was sentenced to nine months in jail and three years of probation for multiple acts of vandalism at Gainesville City Hall and the Old Library Building, along with threatening Mayor Harvey Ward. Dewar pleaded no contest to charges including threatening a public servant and three counts of property damage exceeding $1,000. He was arrested in August 2024 after being identified as the suspect behind incidents that included throwing rocks and leaving threatening notes expressing discontent over the city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Dewar is required to pay $15,169 in restitution to the city and will undergo inpatient mental health treatment as part of his probation. Following these events, Gainesville Police increased security measures at City Hall to ensure the safety of municipal employees and visitors. Mayor Ward reaffirmed the city's commitment to its initiatives, stating that such acts of vandalism would not deter their work.