Two people were arrested Wednesday in connection with vandalism at an abandoned mansion in the Hollywood Hills owned by the son of a Philadelphia Phillies co-owner.
Film producer John Powers Middleton owns the property, which has long been vacant and is a popular target for graffiti artists and squatters.
Los Angeles Police Department officers on patrol near a residence on Mulholland Drive responded to a report of a man and woman who had recently spray-painted the residence and fled in a white Mercedes-Benz.
The suspects were identified as 35-year-old Jacob Smith and 19-year-old Tomia Fagan. arrested Soon after that.
“Upon investigation, officers determined that both suspects entered private property and used spray paint to deface the property,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. Officers said they recovered “several spray cans” and a loaded, unregistered firearm.
Smith will be charged with criminal damage to property, and Fagan will be charged with having a firearm in his vehicle, authorities said. Both are being held without bail.
A similar fate befell another mansion in Middleton, about five miles (8 kilometers) away, also occupied by squatters and graffiti artists. The properties owned by Mr. Middleton are located at 7571 Mulholland Drive and 1754 N. Sunset Plaza Drive, officials said. KABC.
The day after his arrest, Middleton took responsibility for the condition of his property and apologized to Los Angeles residents.
“What happened to my property was a crime and I hope everyone caught is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Middleton said in a statement. NBC News. “No one in Los Angeles should have to put up with out-of-control squatters and vandalism.”
He also said that although civilian security measures were in place, the amount of break-ins and vandalism overwhelmed the hired team. Middleton promised in a statement that 24/7 armed guards and crews will be actively working on repairs and increasing security.
Middleton also said he would reimburse the city for the cost of securing the property.
Abandoned mansions have attracted tourists thanks to viral postings online, and problems with trespassing and vandalism have increased. In recent weeks, visitors have been leaving tags at the mansion, one of which says it belonged to hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was recently indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. It has been reported. One of the tags in the house said, “Diddy was here.”
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City Councilmember Nitya Raman said her office has been in close contact with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Building Safety regarding the incident at the facility.
“Both these properties are owned by the same person and are in gross violation of the law,” Raman said.
“This is a public safety issue that has serious implications for both neighbors and the surrounding community. Irresponsible property owners must take responsibility for their properties or face lawsuits from the city. We need to face it,” she said.
The Los Angeles Times spoke to several neighbors who were perplexed by the mansion's condition.
“It's just insane,” one neighbor said. “There used to be luxury homes there. I mean, who would do something like that? Who would walk away from a $10 million home like that and leave it to squatters?”
“This place has become known for its graffiti mansions,” said another neighbor. “It's so embarrassing to have this in the heart of the Hollywood Hills.”
It was also reported that workers had boarded up windows and installed new chain-link fencing around the property earlier this week. Workers also painted over the graffiti.
