THE SECRET SERVICE IS NOW INVOLVED IN A POSSIBLE HATE CRIME INCIDENT IN WASHINGTON COUNTY VIRGINIA IN WHICH A BARACK OBAMA SIGN WAS DEFACED. AUTHORITIES SAID THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE’S SIGN AT A HOME IN ABINGDON HAD BEEN SPRAY PAINTED WITH THREATENING MESSAGES THAT DOESN’T APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AGAINST THE HOME OWNER. THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE WILL BE STEPPING UP PATROLS IN CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS AS THE ELECTION DRAWS NEAR. A REWARD IS BEING OFFERED BY THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR ANY INFORMATION THAT WOULD LEAD TO AN ARREST IN THE CASE. THE HOMEOWNER PLANS TO PUT UP ANOTHER SIGN.