Former Maine state senate candidate charged with alleged preserve vandalism

Ian J. Schwartz accused of damaging signs and trailmarkers at Mount Desert Land and Garden Preserve

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Ian J. Schwartz, a former state senate candidate in Maine, has been charged with a felony count of aggravated criminal mischief and a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief for allegedly vandalizing signs and trailmarkers at the Mount Desert Land and Garden Preserve in March 2025. The damage was estimated at $1,000.

Why it matters

The case highlights tensions between local political candidates and community organizations, as well as the challenges of protecting public lands from vandalism. Schwartz has run unsuccessfully for several local offices in the past, raising questions about his motivations and whether the alleged vandalism was politically motivated.

The details

According to the police report, Schwartz is accused of intentionally damaging, destroying or tampering with property at the Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve in March 2025. A Hancock County grand jury later indicted him on the felony and misdemeanor charges related to the $1,000 in damages.

  • The alleged vandalism occurred on March 28, 2025.
  • Schwartz was indicted by a grand jury on February 5, 2026.
  • Schwartz is scheduled to appear in court on the charges on April 23, 2026.

The players

Ian J. Schwartz

A Mount Desert man who has run unsuccessfully for several local elected offices in the past 8 years, including Hancock County Commissioner, the Mount Desert board of selectmen, and a local Democratic State Senate primary.

Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve

A 1,400-acre public land preserve on Mount Desert Island that manages areas like the Asticou Azalea Garden, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, and Thuya Garden.

William Ashe

Schwartz's defense attorney from Ellsworth.

Kathryn Strand

Director of communications for the Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve.

David Kerns

Police chief for Mount Desert.

Robert Granger

Hancock County District Attorney.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ian J. Schwartz out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for political tensions to spill over into acts of vandalism against community organizations. It raises questions about whether candidates like Schwartz are crossing ethical lines in their pursuit of elected office.