An Allentown man is accused of damaging doors at the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse, causing more than $2,000 in damage, according to authorities.
Deon Gardner, 33, was arrested on charges of criminal mischief and institutional vandalism, alleging he vandalized the federal courthouse at 504 Hamilton St. on Monday night.
Officers discovered the front doors shattered just before 7 p.m.
Gardner, who was sitting on the steps of the building, admitted to breaking the windows, according to court documents. Surveillance footage showed Gardner throwing a rock at the door multiple times, police said.
The U.S. Marshals Service said on social media that federal prosecution is being considered. Photos showed the glass heavily damaged on two doors of the building. Marshals estimated the damage at “easily over $2,000,” court documents state.
Gardner remains in Lehigh County Jail on $10,000 bail.
At approximately 6pm last night, the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse in Allentown was vandalized. Deon Gardner, a 33-year-old male, was located at the scene and arrested by Allentown Police for Institutional Vandalism and Criminal Mischief. Federal prosecution is being considered. pic.twitter.com/dLnzGa3lhh
— U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) December 30, 2025
