Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On August 19, 2013 deputies from the Fillmore Police Department received calls of graffiti vandalism to city owned and privately owned property including a church in the city. The graffiti was spray painted at 7 different locations around the city. All of this graffiti was associated with a particular tagging crew. The deputies began an investigation and conducted a probation search at Fillmore resident Jose Vasquez’ residence. Deputies found evidence linking him to the graffiti vandalism cases that were under investigation. Deputies arrested Vasquez for vandalism and other unrelated charges and booked into the Ventura County Jail on August 20, 2013.

On October 24, 2013 Vasquez pled guilty to Felony Vandalism in Ventura County Superior Court, and received a sentence of 16 months in county jail and his driver’s license was suspended for one year.

WHAT IS THE CITY DOING ABOUT GRAFFITI?
Graffiti hurts communities and impacts business. Studies show that quick removal of graffiti is an effective crime prevention tool. The City’s objective is to remove graffiti within 24 hours after being reported. Call the city of Fillmore at 524-1500 ext 309 to report graffiti in the city and they will take steps to remove it.

GRAFFITI TRACKING PROGRAM
Recently, the City implemented a graffiti tracking and intelligence system that has been successfully implemented in cities throughout California. The system is used by the Public Works Department and the Police Department to facilitate coordination between enforcement and cleanup.

Tracking graffiti helps to identify graffiti hot spots and targets specific incidents. When a vandal is prosecuted the cost of removal for each incident he/she is responsible for can be more easily identified allowing the City to recover the costs.

PARENTAL CIVIL LIABILITY
Parents need to be aware, under California Civil Code Section 1714.1, they can be held civilly liable for the acts of their children and carry the burden of the financial fees incurred in connection with any civil prosecution.

Nature of Incident: Graffiti Arrest / Prosecution
Report Number: 13-18534
Location: City of Fillmore
Date & Time: August 19, 2013
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department
(S)uspects, City of Residence Age
Jose Vasquez Fillmore 21
Prepared by: Sgt. J. Hendren
Media Release Date: November 4, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Deputy E. Hernandez 805-524-2233
Approved by: Captain Monica McGrath

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).