A group of suspected graffiti vandals has caused nearly $173,000 in damage to buildings in Los Angeles, treating them as personal canvases. Among the accused is a utility worker who, according to prosecutors, played a significant role in this year-long spree.
Javier Rezendez Rocha, who has been an electrical craft helper at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power since 2018, faces 12 felony vandalism counts related to the alleged incidents stretching from August 2025 to August 2026.
Rocha, earning an annual salary ranging from $75,335 to $102,249, allegedly used his utility equipment and climbing gear to help scale buildings for the vandalism.
The crew didn’t restrict their graffiti to ground level. Prosecutors argue they employed ladders and specialized climbing tools to reach high-rise structures, where they not only sprayed their tags but also captured footage of their work with drones.
They reportedly profited from merchandise linked to their graffiti efforts.
The total damage amount was a staggering $172,930, with many of the affected buildings being historically significant.
“These defendants converted numerous buildings throughout Los Angeles into their personal advertising space, burdening property owners with repair costs exceeding $170,000,” commented Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
Hochman condemned the situation as a money-driven scheme and hinted that prosecutors may require offenders to participate in graffiti cleanup as part of their punishment.
“This is not mere graffiti, and these crimes have real victims, as they detract from our community’s quality of life,” Hochman added. “If you’re contemplating vandalizing property, be warned: Los Angeles County is not your canvas.”
The other defendants include Michael Ray Gonzales from Pico Rivera, facing seven felony counts, along with Francisco Rodriguez Aguilar from West Covina and Richard Evan Ward II from Oceanside, each facing two counts.
According to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, the alleged vandals harmed local businesses, property owners, taxpayers, and the broader community, targeting some of the city’s most recognized structures.
“Let this serve as a clear notice: if you deface our city, we will find you and hold you responsible,” McDonnell stated.
This case was filed on October 8. Ward pleaded not guilty on October 12, with a preliminary hearing set for November 19. Rodriguez Aguilar is due for arraignment on October 19, while Rocha’s hearing is on October 23. Gonzales will be arraigned later, with those already proceeding released on their own recognizance.
If convicted, Rocha could face up to 10 years and four months in county jail. Gonzales is looking at a maximum of seven years, while Rodriguez Aguilar and Ward could each face up to three years and eight months.
