A group of alleged graffiti vandals is accused of turning Los Angeles buildings into spray-painted billboards, causing nearly $173,000 in damage during a yearlong spree. Among those charged is a city utility worker prosecutors say helped the crew carry out the attacks.
Javier Rezendez Rocha, an electrical craft helper with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power since 2018, faces 12 felony vandalism counts. Prosecutors allege the offenses occurred between August 2025 and August 2026.
Rocha, whose base annual salary ranges from $75,335 to $102,249, allegedly used specialized utility equipment and climbing ropes to help the group reach the sides of tall buildings.
The alleged vandalism extended far beyond street-level tagging. According to prosecutors, the defendants used ladders and specialized climbing gear to scale buildings, spray-paint their exteriors and fly drones to record the results.
Prosecutors also allege that the group made money by selling merchandise linked to its graffiti.
The total damage was estimated at $172,930. Some of the buildings targeted in the alleged spree are considered historically significant.
“These defendants turned buildings across Los Angeles into their personal billboards, leaving property owners with over $170,000 in repair costs,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
Hochman described the alleged activity as a profit-driven operation and said prosecutors would seek punishment requiring offenders to remove graffiti themselves.
“This was not harmless graffiti, and these are not victimless crimes as they destroy the quality of life in our community,” Hochman said. “To anyone thinking about vandalizing property, Los Angeles County is not yours to deface.”
The other three defendants are Michael Ray Gonzales of Pico Rivera, who faces seven felony counts; Francisco Rodriguez Aguilar of West Covina; and Richard Evan Ward II of Oceanside, who each face two felony counts.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said the alleged vandalism affected businesses, property owners, taxpayers and the broader community. He said some of the city’s most recognizable buildings and public spaces were allegedly targeted.
“Let this serve as a clear message: If you deface our city, we will investigate you, identify you and hold you accountable,” McDonnell said.
The case was filed Oct. 8. Ward pleaded not guilty Oct. 12 and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing setting Nov. 19. Rodriguez Aguilar is due to be arraigned Oct. 19, while Rocha is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 23.
Gonzales is scheduled to be arraigned at a later date. The defendants who have already been arraigned were released on their own recognizance.
If convicted on all charges, Rocha could face up to 10 years and four months in county jail.
Gonzales faces a potential sentence of up to seven years, while Rodriguez Aguilar and Ward each face up to three years and eight months.
