AFFTON, Mo. – A former Affton High School student and graduate faces two counts of property damage motivated by discrimination for allegedly spray-painting racial slurs, swastikas, and threatening messages on the outside walls Affton High and Rogers Middle School.

In an exclusive interview with FOX 2 News, Patrick Sloan’s mother said she decided to turn her son in because it was the right thing to do. The woman, who did not want to be identified, said her son was not raised to be this way.

“He’s 18, but he’s very naive,” she said. “This has just been a nightmare for us.”

According to investigators with the St. Louis County Police Department, Sloan stole cans of black spray paint from a hardware store before the first incident. That theft was all caught on camera.

A member of Sloan’s family, along with other witnesses, identified Sloan. Police said he even admitted to a family member that he was responsible.

“I was aware of the incident. And after review of the security footage, I realized that it was my son,” Sloan’s mother said. “So, I did what I feel is the correct thing: to turn him in. I don’t accept his behavior.”

Sloan remains in custody on a $25,000 bond, with no court date yet scheduled. The Affton School District has since removed the graffiti, but his mother is still grappling with the impact of the hateful messages. And she said her family does not condone his actions.

“He has become involved with a radicalized political group, and they had a march last Tuesday. He was considering marching with them,” she said. “So, his intent was to stir up the community, which he very well did. He is not of that belief system. And I am truly sorry for the concern and hurt that has been caused in the community, because this is a small community and we are supposed to live in peace with each other.”

Meanwhile, police said they’re increasing security to prevent further incidents.

Sloan’s mother said she’s working closely with investigations to make sure this never happens again.