Former NFL player Edawn Louis Coughman was arrested on September 12 after he vandalized his own business using spray paint with “MAGA” written on the walls to make it look like a Trump supporter committed the crime. He was charged with False Report of a Crime, Insurance Fraud, and Concealing a License Plate.

Police officers were called to the Create and Bake Restaurant and Coughman’s Creamery in Lawrenceville, Georgia to check on the businesses. The witness told the 911 call-taker that the suspect was driving a black Chevrolet Silverado with no license plate.

When officers got to the business they stopped a truck matching the description that was given in the 911 call and it was Edawn Louis Coughman. The officers noticed several televisions in the bed of the truck and inside the cab.

Officers learned that Edawn was the owner of the vandalized businesses. He said he had noticed the damage earlier in the day and had called his insurance company but not the police.

The police officers went into the businesses and saw several words and symbols on the walls and booth cushions in black spray paint. Officers saw racially-motivated words, swastikas, and “MAGA.” Several booth cushions were sliced open. They also found broken mirrors, cut wires, and a damaged video surveillance system. The smell of spray paint was very fresh. When officers touched it, the paint appeared wet.

Officers later searched the truck and found the spray paint used by Coughman to damage his own business to make it appear as a hate crime.

He would then file a claim with his insurance company, and sell off the undamaged appliances and electronics.

A local report:

The former Washington Redskins tackle is out on bond.

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